Team India’s captain Virat Kohli was all praise for allrounder Hardik Pandya after India’s five-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at Indore.
“He is a star, has the ability with the ball, bat and the field,” said Kohli in the post-match presentation.
Pandya’s 78 off 72 balls effectively sealed the match for India before MS Dhoni and Manish Pandey saw it off.
“We need a guy like that, we’ve been missing an explosive allrounder, great asset for Indian cricket,” said Kohli.
Pandya was promoted to no. 4 and Kohli said that it was coach Ravi Shastri’s idea to do so.
“The idea behind his promotion was Ravi bhai, to attack the spinner,” said Kohli.
“Feels pretty good, would like to finish the game next time,” he said, “I don’t need to be surprised, important to back myself, saw it as an opportunity. I wanted to target the left-arm spinner, when I got a few sixes, I knew I could take some time. I try to contribute everywhere I can, I want to get better” said an elated Hardik Pandya.
