Sri Lanka Vs India 2017: Hardik Pandya Enjoying Team’s Backing
Aug 14, 2017 at 3:34 PM
As India went into the Test series against Sri Lanka, there was some focus on the all round skills of Hardik Pandya. A few eyebrows were raised on the day of the first Test when the Baroda youngster was included in the playing XI. However, soon it became clear that the management saw a long term prospect in him, who could be the team’s X factor when the overseas tour arrived.
After the span of three Test matches, it is more than safe to assert that the team got all its calculations surrounding Pandya spot in. In the third Test at Kandy, the all-rounder stole the show with a thunderous century, which echoed in his aggressive and clear mindset. Pandya set forward a display of clinical striking and reiterated the value of a hard hitting all rounder.
It came in as no surprise when Pandya was named the Man of the match, and on winning the award, he mentioned about the team’s backing as being a massive factor.
“I am glad that I got my first hundred here,” said an ecstatic Pandya. “I backed my instincts. I have bowling and Test cricket is not an easy place to come and take a fifer. This team is pretty amazing. Everyone backs me to do well.”
Skipper Virat Kohli too was full of praises for the youngster, post the victory.
“The regulars have performed, but the biggest positive would be Hardik’s inclusion and the way he shaped up in these three Test matches. The kind of confidence he showed the with the ball and the maturity with the bat, it really gives us a lot of boosts and the balance,” said Kohli.
“The usual suspects are always there and thereabouts. We are a young side, we look forward to playing Test cricket, we look forward to playing every single Test match with the same kind of excitement and that is the only way you can be ruthless,” Kohli added.