Cricket

You do better than what I have done – Hardik Pandya reveals how Kapil Dev always motivate him

India’s talisman all-rounder Hardik Pandya has revealed how legendary Kapil Dev has always motivated him throughout his career.

Pandya received his ODI cap from the World Cup-winning captain in 2016 and the former all-rounder told him that he can do better than what he did for the national team.

Kapil Dev is regarded as one of India’s best seam-bowling all-rounders and the team has been seeking his replacement since he has retired from international cricket. Pandya has shown the skills to go a long way in his career and thus he is often compared with Kapil Dev, which has put high expectations on the all-rounder.

However, Pandya has struggled to get going in the recent past as he scored 127 runs in 11 innings for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021 and scored his runs at an average of 14.11. The right-hander scored his runs at a strike rate of less than 100 and also didn’t bowl any overs due to his fitness issues.

While speaking to The Cricket Monthly, Pandya said: It was special to receive that cap because Kapil Dev gave it to me and told me, “You do better than what I have done. You will succeed. Keep working hard.”

“Before my back surgery, it was very sweet of him to call and say: “Beta, please aap haldi ka doodh peena. Sab theekh ho jayega [Son, drink turmeric milk and everything will be all right]. Take care.”

Meanwhile, Pandya last played a Test match back in 2018 against England. Pandya had recently admitted that he wants to focus on the limited-overs format and his body is not ready for the adversities of Test cricket.

“Test cricket, right now, I have kept on hold for as long as my body does not allow me to. I am focusing on white-ball cricket because a lot of World Cups are coming and I can provide a lot of things in white-ball cricket right now.”

Pandya will play a key role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign and it would be interesting to note whether he will bowl or not. India will play their warm-up match against England today.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024