Hardik Pandya is one of the most loved cricketers in India. Indian cricket fans back and support players who let their emotions flow on the field and give their best. In the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Hardik Pandya played a brilliant cameo, but unfortunately got run-out. When Pandya walked back shouting and yelling at himself, the entire nation felt his pain and anger and praised him for his spectacular effort.
Since then, Pandya’s fan following has grown everyday.
Pandya is a part of the squad for the upcoming 3-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the first Test at Galle, Indian captain Virat kohli praised Pandya and said that he has a great chance of playing in the first Test of the series. Kohli also added that Pandya adds balance to the squad as his presence allows India to play an extra batsman.
“We got a guy like Hardik Pandya, who has a knack of picking wickets. He has a great chance of playing as well. That gives us the balance. The extra batsman gives us more solidarity,” said Kohli in the pre-match presser ahead of the first Test.
Talking about KL Rahul’s illness, Kohli said that there is nothing serious and he will get back in a few days time. The Indian captain heaped praises on Rahul and said that he is a very “solid” player.
“Rahul is unfortunately down with fever. Luckily, it is not anything serious. So he will get back in a few days,” he said.
“KL is a very established player for us, a very solid player. These kinds of scenarios present other players in the team with an opportunity to step up,” he added.
Kohli also spoke about preparing well for the series and be ready for the challenge that awaits.
“We don’t see any series as a launchpad but it is about playing consistently. We realise what needs to be done. We are humble in our preparation and are willing to do ever hard yards every game we play,” he said. “The next phase of cricket for us is going to be challenging but we believe we have the kind of skills available to face the challenge,” he added.
When asked about ‘areas of concern’ the Indian captain said there aren’t any massive areas of concern for Team India.
“I don’t think there are any massive areas of concern for us. We have been looking to fine tunes in smaller areas during the course of the game which probably people might not pick up also, that can lead us to a situation which is not ideal.”
