&ldquo;My father represented the country on the battlefield and I will represent India on the cricket field. I could see that pride and happiness on my father&rsquo;s face. He was very happy that I have got a chance to represent my country,&rdquo; Pandey told MiD DAY minutes after news of his selection in the Indian team emerged.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/2014/jan/Ishwar-Pandey.jpg" alt="Ishwar Pandey" width="500" height="615" />
Ishwar&rsquo;s father insisted that his two sons take their studies seriously. While his younger son followed his father&rsquo;s advice, elder son Ishwar took to cricket against his father&rsquo;s wishes. &ldquo;My father would always stress on the need to do well in academics. He always wanted us to focus on studies so that we could have a secure future. But I was keener on cricket. I was confident that if I keep working hard, I&rsquo;ll succeed.
I am happy that my father feels proud of me now,&rdquo; added Pandey, who changed streams from Science to Arts in college to focus more on cricket. After ending up as the leading wicket-taker in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy with 48 wickets, the lanky medium-pacer has already claimed 30 wickets in eight Ranji games this season for Madhya Pradesh.
He bounced back to form after a forgettable Indian Premier League debut season. The 24-year-old was one of the star performers on the South Africa &lsquo;A&rsquo; tour last August. In his limited overs debut against the hosts, Pandey claimed four for 76 from nine overs as India &lsquo;A&rsquo; won by 39 runs. In his maiden unofficial four-day Test, Pandey finished with a memorable seven-wicket haul in India&rsquo;s thumping win at Rustenburg.
Pandey, who is working on his speed, was expecting a national call-up soon. But the medium-pacer was surprised to be included in the ODI and Test teams. &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t expecting my selection for both teams. But the selectors&rsquo; faith in me has only boosted my confidence. My preparation has already started. I am ready for the challenge. I was practising when I was told about my selection. I am rushing home to celebrate with my family. It is a fantastic start to the new year,&rdquo; Pandey signed off.

Madhya Pradesh fast bowler has a great chance to emulate his father Chand, who served in the Indian Army before retirement

Rookie Ishwar Pandey all set to emulate Army man dad

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Home / Sports / Cricket / Article / Rookie Ishwar Pandey all set to emulate Army man dad

Rookie Ishwar Pandey all set to emulate Army man dad

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