Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the only surprise inclusion in the 15-member Test squad declared by the new selection panel for the first two Tests against England
Hardik Pandya
Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya was the only surprise inclusion in the 15-member Test squad declared by the new selection panel for the first two Tests against England.
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Speaking on Pandya's selection, chief selector MSK Prasad said: "Pandya is an exciting cricketer. We have observed him closely during the India 'A' tour of Australia recently and then the NZ one-day series. He has not only improved as a bowler, but also as a batsman. Add to it, he is an excellent fielder and looks a very composed cricketer. We have decided to groom him for all formats."
Meanwhile, Pandya told mid-day minutes after his Test selection: "Playing T20s and ODIs for the country made me feel very proud, but every cricketer's dream is to represent India in Tests. It can't get any bigger than playing for India in whites. I am just trying to absorb the news and stay grounded."
BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke (left) and chief selector MSK Prasad address the media in Mumbai yesterday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
Was he expecting a call for Test duty? "My performance against NZ in the ODIs gave me a lot of confidence so I'd be lying if I said I was not expecting it. But honestly, I am a bit suprised too," said Pandya whose performance in the recently-concluded one-day series has been noticed.
In fact, Pandya bagged the man-of-the-match award on his ODI debut Dharamsala on October 16. "When people appreciate your performance, it is an added responsibility because you want to live up to those expectations every time you walk out on the field. And when you are representing your country, that responsibility is even bigger," added Pandya.
The phone hasn't stopped ringing at the Pandya residence in Baroda. "I wasn't expecting it, but I was praying," said elder brother Krunal, who like Hardik is an all-rounder, albeit a spin-bowling one, and plays for Baroda in domestic cricket and Mumbai Indians in the IPL. "I saw the news on Twitter and rushed to tell my parents (Nalini and Himanshu). We are looking forward to watching him play Test cricket," said Krunal.
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