Having played in the last four T20I matches, Manish Pandey has remained unbeaten in all the games. His best came in Wellington where he scored a half-century to help Team India set a fighting total of 165 runs against New Zealand. Pandey helped the team to come out of a difficult situation when the top order and middle-order struggled to deliver.
The Karnataka player in the last game has very little contribution as he has come to bat at No.6. In the last five T20I innings played for India, his batting scores are 21*, 31*, 8*, 14*, 14*, 50*. His figures wholely tell about his story.
In the fourth T20I match, he finally got the chance to express his game. As Rohit Sharma being rested, India struggled from the start of the game. Coming to bat at No.6, Pandey helped India to reach 165/8 after they were struggling at 88 for six.
Manish Pandey, to bat at No.6?
Post the game, Pandey said that he is not a perfectionist to bat at No.6 because he is a top-order batsman. But because of tough competition for a spot in the national team, he has learned the art to bat in the middle order.
“I have to start preparing my mind as a No.6 batsman because normally I bat up the order, No. 3 or No. 4,” Pandey said.
Pandey, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL, said that he will like to play at his favourite No.3 spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I would still bat No.3 when I go back to the IPL,” Pandey said.
“It gives me more of an opportunity and more chance to spend time on the wicket. It gives me little more extra time when I bat, with the way I bat. Competition here is too tough, and I’ve got to take my place, have to squeeze in. So even if they give me No.6, I’m happy to take it. I’d love to keep contributing this way and helping my team win.” he added.
Meanwhile, Team India will play the fifth and last T20I match against New Zealand on 2nd February at the Bay Oval.