Interview Hardik Pandya: Hopefully I get a chance to play in the upcoming T20 world cup

Interview Hardik Pandya: Hopefully I get a chance to play in the upcoming T20 world cup: In a year after first playing a game in Ranji Trophy a 22 years old boy has featured in the IPL, played a first-class T20 game against touring South Africa and also a 3-day FC game for the Board President’s XI and has been able to notch up noteworthy performances. This is exactly what Baroda’s Hardik Pandya has achieved in this cricketing year.

He is young, he is flamboyant and more importantly he is a seam bowling all-rounder who knows his trade quite well and is shaping up admirably and might well be steps away from knocking on the doors of the Indian dressing room. Hardik has scored near by 300 runs with 3 half centuries and took 16 wickets, with one game to go in the group stages of the Ranji Trophy.

How would you like to share your wonderful performance in this Ranji Trophy season?

My preparation was good. Before this Ranji season I played for India A and Mumbai Indians. This thing really helped and from there onwards my confidence was high. I am happy that my hard work has shown positive result.

What has been the key in your success this season?

Playing for India always motivates me and this thing pushes me to perform better. Before this season my reparation was good. I was working hard in practice seasons. My IPL performance helped to perform better in this Ranji season. I used to bowl with full concentration and when I went to bat, I batted with responsibility.

Where do you see yourself in coming time?

I want to play for India and represent my country. Hopefully I get a chance to play in the upcoming T20 world cup.

Who has been your role model?

Irfan Pathan has always assisted me, he taught me how to manage cricket with both bat and bowl. He always supports me during match and in practice seasons. He guides me to bowl in right areas and make strategies.

My coach, Jitendra Bhai has a special place in my life. He made me a cricketer from an ordinary boy. He helped me when my financial situation was not stable. Kiran More sir has always advised me on and off the game.

How do you see yourself getting fit in the all-rounder’s spot?

From my early days I always wanted to be an all-rounder. I have performed with both bowl and bat. India has struggled to get a seam bowling all rounder for a long time. So, with my current performance I fancy my chance. Our captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni too mentioned in his press conference the need of a quick fast bowling all-rounder in the team.

How vital has the IPL been in your career?

IPL has changed my life completely. Before IPL nobody knew about me. It gave me the platform to perform at the bigger level. It has helped me to gain knowledge from legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and many more.

Talking about family how supportive have they been?

My family support is my strength. They always allowed me to play cricket from childhood. No pressure to study hard was there. At the time of financial struggle, my family believed in me. I always believe in improvement.  Even Sachin sir said learning is a continuous process.

Interviewed by Gurucharan Singh for CricTracker