Hardik Pandya, the star India all-rounder, has revealed a lesson from legendary India captain MS Dhoni that has helped him improve as a cricketer.
Hardik Pandya has been in outstanding form since winning the Indian Premier League 2022 with the Gujarat Titans in his first season as captain. Hardik Pandya scored a crucial 46 runs in the fourth T20I of the five-match series against South Africa on Friday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, ensuring India’s victory.
Hardik Pandya on MS Dhoni’s advice
The fourth T20I between India and South Africa ended in a resounding 82-run victory for the hosts, bringing the series to a 2-2 tie. Pandya and Karthik, the two players who played the anchor roles in the competition, had a post-match conversation in which they revealed a lot about their game.
“In my early days, I asked Mahi Bhai one question. I asked him how he gets away from pressure, and he gave me some very simple advice — ‘stop thinking about your own score and start thinking about what your team requires’. From very early, that lesson has stuck to my mind and helped me become the kind of player I am now,” Pandya said.
Hardik Pandya was named in the T20I squad after a successful season as the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022. Due to KL Rahul’s injury, Rishabh Pant was named captain, and Pandya was named his deputy.
With Pant departing for England after the home series, Pandya will captain India in the two T20Is against Ireland. Pandya also stated that he is more concerned with the game than with the team for which he is playing.
“Nothing changes because I have started playing for the symbol which is on my chest, and I play the situation. I want to get better with time and do it with the frequency I did for Gujarat,” he added.
Pandya also expressed his admiration for Karthik’s achievements, saying that the 37-year-old had inspired not only him but many others around the world.
