Hardik Pandya definitely deserves to get picked: Kiran More

Former chairman of the senior selection committee and Hardik Pandya’s coach Kiran More is a happy man after his pupil Hardik Pandya was named in the 15 man squad for the upcoming home series against England. More, who has worked with Pandya ever since his junior days, had earlier predicted that he could be groomed at home for Test matches and could well fill the third of the fourth pacer’s lot in the team.

Right after the first ODI against New Zealand in Dharamsala, where Pandya had won the man-of-the-match award on debut, More spoke about how a seaming all-rounder could offer the captain a good choice for the seam bowling all-rounder’s place.

At a time when there is a debate on his Test selection, More backs his ward’s candidature. “He definitely deserves to get picked. His chances of playing in the XI isn’t that bright, but he is picked in the team to be groomed for the future. If we can have a seaming all-rounder as the third or fourth pacer and No. 7 batsman who could come and score a hundred, it will only benefit the team,” More said.

While talking more about Pandya, More revealed, “Hardik is a batting all-rounder and only time will tell you how much he can improve if he is given a chance. He has been training under me since his childhood days and I can tell you that this guy has a bright future.”

Also, read – A sea change in attitude after working under Dravid worked in Hardik Pandya’s favour

More said that the India A tour to Australia helped Pandya immensely. “In his comeback series against New Zealand, Pandya looked different. He had a very decent India A tour to Australia, where he batted and bowled with a plenty of vigor,” More said.

Pandya’s approach was closely followed by the chairman of the selection committee MSK Prasad in Australia. So much so that he shared his observations with the other members of the selection panel. Both the Indian team management and selectors also discussed how Pandya’s inclusion could be a huge boost for the cricketer’s confidence.

If Dhoni asking him to share the new ball in the opening game of the series in Dharamsala boosted his moral, his Test selection now will enhance it further. “India could gain out of a seaming all-rounder away from home, it will give more option for the Test captain Virat Kohli to manoeuvre his playing XI,” More suggested.