Ready to abide with the management's decision on my place, says Manish Pandey

Manish Pandey had to miss the ICC Champions Trophy due to an unfortunate injury, but he’s back in the side and is looking better than ever. After coming back from the side-strain, Pandey led the India A side to a Tri-series triumph in South Africa and played some wonderful knocks in the land of Proteas.

With the selection committee head, MSK Prasad confirming that KL Rahul will be tested at number 4, the possibility of Pandey getting back into the side looks grim. But the 27-year-old looks confident and patient as he’s apparently happy with his performances in the India A series.

Pandey said that waiting for an opportunity is a part and parcel of the game he is looking forward for the ODI series. “It’s (injuries) really tough. Sometimes, when you are not in form it doesn’t really hurt as much as when you’re doing well and suddenly get injured. But I think you take it in the stride and that’s the time when you get to learn what’s the weak part of your body and where you have to work,” he was quoted by Cricbuzz.

“Honestly, I’ve waited a long time to come to the Indian side that I’m used to it now. IPL was going good for me – 10 games, about 400 runs – and then I missed those crucial two games. But it’s part of the game, that’s what you do (wait for your opportunity) and I’ve played the waiting game really well so far and it’s okay for me. Whatever the management decides on the batting order, we would go with it,” Pandey added.

It was tough adjusting to the number 5/6 role

The Karnataka batsman scored his one and only hundred in International cricket coming in at number 4 against Australia. He played a spectacular inning and helped India register a nail biting win against the hosts. But since then, he had to bat at number 5 or 6 and that wasn’t very fruitful for the talented batter.

He said that it was difficult coping with the adjustment as the number 5 or number 6 position doesn’t offer enough time to settle in. He recalled his stint in that position in the series against New Zealand and said that he was happy with how he was reacting to the situation.

“The game I played in Australia, I batted No.4, that’s where I normally bat, and that’s where I know how many overs I have to play. That’s where I have batted my entire career. Batting at No. 6 or No. 5 was a bit new for me during the New Zealand series. I think it took me some time to get used to that situation with only 15-odd overs left in the game. You can’t settle in from that position, you just need to go out and go at everything from ball one. I think I have adapted to that situation well. Let’s see how it goes,” he stated.

Talking about his duel with KL Rahul for a place in the final XI, he appreciated his fellow Karnataka teammate’s effort in Test matches. He later concluded saying that they both are ready to abide by what the management thinks and they’re ready to wait for their opportunity.

“KL has been batting really well in Tests – I would love to see that happen. It does change the middle order a little bit but that’s just one or two changes. We agree with what the management has to say. We abide by that,” he concluded.