I was amazed at the speed at which Pandya bowled: Kiran More

Former India wicketkeeper and former chief selector of the Indian cricket team Kiran More revealed the story on how he unearthed the pacer that became Hardik Pandya. More, who is known for his instinct and ability to fish out young talent is one of the stakeholders who is responsible for unearthing many Indian talents over the years. Hardik Pandya was supremely impressive in the first ODI against New Zealand wherein he partnered with Umesh Yadav to destroy New Zealand’s top order.

Speaking to One India about his first encounter with Hardik Pandya, Kiran More mentioned that it was by chance that they realized the pace at which Hardik Pandya could generate. Apart from his obvious batting abilities, More added that he was amazed by the pace the youngster was bowling at and said that it was from that particular day that Pandya became a bowler.

“One day, our pacer was absent in a friendly match and Hardik was asked to open the bowling. I was amazed to have watched him bowling at such an exhilarating speed in that match. And from that day on Hardik became a bowler,” More said.

Speaking over the phone from Baroda, More added, “I had observed the passion (that is) required to be a fast bowler in Hardik. And I had a feeling that this boy could one day establish himself in the senior national squad as an all-rounder.”

Also read – DRS system to be deployed by India in England series

When asked about Pandya’s comparison with Kapil Dev, the former chief selector brushed aside the comments stating that Pandya did indeed have a long way to go in his career. Kapil Dev was a supremely charismatic character, something that attributed to his leadership qualities whilst captaining the Indian cricket team during his peak years.

“After one performance nobody should comment that we have found another Kapil (Dev) in Hardik. First Hardik must prove his mettle in all formats and should be consistent. Only then I can say, whether Indian cricket is going to be benefited by him the way it was benefited by Kapil during our time.”

Also read – I was lucky enough to be Gilchrist’s captain: Steve Waugh