I like to bat with someone like MS Dhoni: Manish Pandey

Young Indian batsman Manish Pandey finally got his chance to play for the men in blue again when he turned up for the national side in the fourth ODI of the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. Pandey, who already had an ODI ton to his name, had to wait till India wrapped up the series 3-0 to finally get a go in the series. Also, he was demoted to the number 6 slot in the batting order, which a position lower than his preferred batting position.

As per the recent quotes in Hindustan Times, Manish Pandey remarked that the players will take time in adjusting to the new roles assigned to him. This came in reference to the fact that KL Rahul, who now bats in middle-order in place of Manish, has had a string of low scores in that position.

“Rahul is used to batting in the top order and the game is a little different there. It is on him to come out of this situation again, he has to understand maybe how the middle overs go because he always opens the batting and suddenly you are batting after 30 overs,” quoted Manish Pandey.

“You need some time. Maybe as many more matches guys play, he will get used to it. Even I was feeling difficult batting at No 6; batting used to come after 40 overs and I was used to batting at No 4 when batting comes after 25 overs. So it always takes time. And the faster you learn the better batsman you become. I think that’s what I have done,” he added further.

Preferred batting position

When asked if he is comfortable with his new role in the lower middle order, Manish Pandey conceded that he needs to be ready to bat at any position. His only aim at the moment is to contribute to the team’s cause and win matches for the Indian team. He hopes to do that and cement his place in the playing eleven.

“I have to be ready for whatever spot I get. So, if I get a chance then I need to get some runs and cement that spot. And then if you keep performing and you keep playing better, maybe you come one up in the order. So that will be my goal — to fix a spot or two for myself and stay there and win games for India,” conceded the Karnataka batsman.

On batting with MSD

In the fourth ODI, Pandey had the privilege to finish off the Indian innings with MS Dhoni batting from the other end. With Pandey’s batting slot being changed, he finds the services of MSD at the non-striker end more often now. Commenting on what it is like to bat with the master finisher, Manish remarked that he loves to bat with someone like MS Dhoni who keeps pushing for singles.

“I have played a few games with him already now. I know how he plays. He likes to rotate the strike. I like to bat with somebody who loves to do that. Occasionally we get some boundaries and that’s how we keep the scoreboard ticking. With Mahi bhai, you are always on your toes and he keeps giving you advice,” conceded Manish Pandey.