Ranchi: On a day when optional practice was the choice of the players, there were three who turned up at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium here to sweat it out at the nets. The three – home favourite Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Hardik Pandya and Manish Pandey had a close look at the pitch which promises to be full runs, and then went through their drills under the watchful eye of head coach Anil Kumble. And no doubt, the thousands who had thronged the place to catch a glimpse of Dhoni, were not disappointed as the limited-overs captain batted with great intent.
Dhoni, whose highest score on this ground has been 10 not out, would no doubt want to get a few runs under his belt in what could be his last game in his own city. He was seen joking with the spectators and could be heard saying in jest, “What will I do if the others finish off the match early.”
Meanwhile, talking to reporters, all-rounder Hardik Pandya stated that his game thrives in pressure situations and he does not have to look too far as he has both Dhoni and Virat Kohli as his inspirations.
“There’s a lot to learn when both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them bat. Their batting, running between wickets inspire us. It’s at another level. It’s fun to watch them bat together,” Pandya said here.
Dhoni looks to have regained his destructive form after promoting himself No 4 and Pandya said it is exciting times for Team India. “It shows his positive intent. I enjoyed his (Dhoni) batting. With the captain in this state of mind we will certainly look to seal up the series here,” asserted Pandya.
The youngster is also open to batting at any position. “I’m pretty ready for everything, whatever overs I get,” asserted Pandya. He also said that he had no regrets about playing the shot at New Delhi which got him out. “I’ve succeeded with that shot before, I had to go for it, because we needed a boundary,” added the all-rounder.
Press Trust of India
