Press Trust of India
Kolkata, March 8: Yuvraj Singh may have compared him to West Indians for his flair, but Hardik Pandya dreams of emulating legendary South African Jacques Kallis with his all-round abilities.
“Big things start with the dreams only. This (playing for India) was the dream. Yes, it’s fulfilling. I want to be like Jacques Kallis. What he has done for Proteas in batting and bowling. I want to do the same thing for India,” Pandya said during an interaction with the media here Tuesday.
Pandya stated that he has never been given any specific instructions to fulfil and that has helped him to blossom. “The best part is I’m not told anything. I’ve not given been any instructions. That’s something good for me. I can now read situations and play accordingly,” the 23-year-old informed. added.
Pandya stated that his stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL has changed his life. “It was around this time around last year that I was sold to MI for `10 lakhs. This time during the same period, I am a member of Asia Cup winning Indian team. It is a big change and has happened only because of the IPL,” pointed out Pandya.
The all-rounder is also not ready to accept the tag of being a ‘hitter’ and calls himself a ‘proper’ batsman. “I have the ability to bat in different situations and I assure you that I can bat properly,” Pandya said with a smile. “I play according to the situation.”
