Ahmedabad: India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya believes that he has developed the ability to handle pressure and has no problem playing the role of the great Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni) for the team. The 29-year-old all-rounder is known for his fiery batting but the player, who recently led the team in T20 International series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, said he has learned to manage the innings. Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni used to play such a role in the later stages of his international career.

The Indian captain, who won the series 2-1 with a 168-run win in the third T20 International against New Zealand, said, “I have to take responsibility in a different way.” Where I always believe in partnership. I want to give my team and others more confidence and reassurance that at least I am there.”

He said, “I have played more cricket than other players in this team (T20 Internationals). In such a situation, I have learned from experience to handle pressure and ensure that the atmosphere in the team remains calm in every situation. Dhoni is known for his calm demeanor and Hardik believes that it is now his responsibility to replace the legendary wicketkeeper as a batsman. He is ready to reduce his strike-rate to play this role.

Hardik (Hardik Pandya) said, “In this way, maybe I will have to reduce my strike rate or accept a new challenge. This is something that I see happening. I don’t mind playing the kind of role that Mahi bhai (Dhoni) used to do.” Hardik has scored 1271 runs in 87 T20 matches at a strike rate of 142.17.

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Hardik (Hardik Pandya) said, “To be honest, I like to hit sixes but as a player you have to keep getting better. I have to play some other role and I believe in partnerships while batting. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 126 not out helped India bundle out New Zealand for 66 to post their biggest win of 168 runs in the third T20 International. Hardik led the fast bowling attack with four wickets.

When asked after starting the bowling with the new ball, he said, “I will have to bowl with the new ball in T20 International because the other bowlers in this team are new and I do not want to give them a difficult role.” If more runs are scored against them then they can come under pressure. I want to lead the team by taking responsibility myself.

Hardik Pandya said that in view of the upcoming ODI and T20 International World Cup, his entire focus is on limited overs cricket. He played his last Test in 2018 against Australia. He underwent surgery in 2019 and has since been out of the team for the longest format of the game. Pandya said, “I will come back when I feel it is the right time for me to play Test cricket. Right now, I am focusing on white-ball cricket, which is important.” (agency)