Hardik Pandya made his India debut in 2016 underneath MS Dhoni. He had returned with the figures of two/37 in his first T20I match in opposition to Australia.
Hardik Pandya (proper) with MS Dhoni. (Courtesy: Reuters)
HIGHLIGHTSHardik Pandya made his India debut in 2016 underneath MS DhoniHardik Pandya had returned with the figures of two/37 in his first T20I matchHardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to 2022 IPL glory within the workforce’s maiden yr
Hardik Pandya recalled the assist he acquired from India legend MS Dhoni, saying he feels fortunate and blessed to have performed underneath his management.
The 28-year-old all-rounder made his T20I and ODI debut in 2016 and the next yr wore India whites. Pandya nice tuned his type within the not too long ago concluded IPL 2022 and led new entrants Gujarat Titans to glory as captain.
“When I joined the Indian team, I saw guys whom I had seen growing up Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Ashish Nehra. Even before I played for India, they were the stars. For me, when I went there it was a big thing,” Hardik advised SGTV podcast.
“So obviously the kind of debut I had I think I am the first cricketer who had gone for 21 runs in his first over I genuinely felt that ok, this might be my last over. But I was very blessed and lucky to play under Mahi bhai who showed lot of trust in us which has helped us reach where we did.”
While bowling in opposition to Australia in a T20I match in 2016, Pandya went for 21 runs in his first over. Unlike some other captain who would hesitate to present a newcomer one other likelihood, Dhoni confirmed his belief in Pandya and gave him one other alternative to complete with 2/37 from three overs.
Although Pandya did not get an opportunity to bat in the course of the T20I collection in opposition to Australia, an impressed Dhoni assured the all-rounder of a spot in India’s World Cup squad.
“Just after the third game of my international career, Mahi bhai told me you will be the World Cup team. So for me, to play World Cup or to get to know that in the third game I just got to know about this. I did not even bat in that game but he assured me that you have expressed yourself. Yeah, it was just a dream come true,” Pandya stated.
