Hardik Pandya was not even in consideration for a place in the national team after he was dropped in the World T20. Matters further deteriorated for him when he failed to perform in the IPL. However, the selectors decided to give him another chance and picked him in the India A squad for the Australia tour. And the youngster has credited that tour for his recent resurgent. The all-rounder was a surprise inclusion in the 15-man squad for the Test series and he has credited India A coach Rahul Dravid for the remarkable turnaround.
Speaking to the Press Trust of India, he said: “For me, everything changed after my tour of Australia with the India A team. It is a tour that transformed me as a cricketer. I can’t but thank Rahul Dravid enough for his contribution. I understood that there is a mental aspect about the game that needs to be worked upon. He (Dravid) made me mentally stronger.”
He was also in the squad for the recently ODI series against New Zealand where he bagged the Man of the Match award on his debut for his impressive bowling. Talking about his improved bowling, he said: “I don’t think I have learnt more than what I did during those one and half months under Rahul sir. He would tell me about things that I need to try out. I was mentally strong but after interacting with him, I understood that I could get even better. If my bowling is being talked about today, it’s because of Rahul sir and Paras Mhambrey (India A bowling coach).”
Delighted with his inclusion in the Test squad, the 23-year called it ‘his biggest achievement till date’.
He said:“Playing Test cricket is ultimate for anyone and I am no different. Yes, this is my biggest achievement till date. In fact, yesterday the Baroda team was travelling to Raipur for their Ranji game. I told the boys that let me stay back in Mumbai for a day. If I don’t get selected, I will join you guys next day. It was the happiest moment.”
The all-rounder said that the opportunity to bowl in tandem on the Australia tour has helped him to improve his bowling.
“The more you practise the craft, better you get at it. I bowled so much in Australia that it yielded results when I was back with the senior team. I became more consistent, hit the right length.The increase in `pace has got a lot to do with the rhythm. If I am in rhythm, the pace will automatically increase by a few yards. The more I play at this level, the better I will get,” said the Baroda all-rounder.
With the batting order of the Indian team quite settled, there is almost no chance of for Pandya to bat in a higher position but the all-rounder is fine with it and said that he is ready to bat at any position.
He said:“I used to bat at No. 3 for Baroda and then I have been batting at No. 5 in Ranji Trophy. I have to be realistic that in the Indian team, I can’t bat at No. 5. I would be probably batting at No. 8 or No. 9. I am perfectly fine with it. I am ready to bat at any position.”