Asia Cup will reveal our character and personality: Hardik Pandya
New Delhi (IANS). Highlighting the importance of the much-anticipated 2023 Asia Cup, India fast bowling all-rounder and vice-captain Hardik Pandya said the six-team tournament will test the character and personality of the Rohit Sharma-led side ahead of the Men’s ODI World Cup.
India will begin their 2023 Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on September 2, and then play Nepal on September 4. Both India’s Group A matches will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
Pandya told Star Sports, “There are a lot of emotions attached to the fans. For us, it is about playing with a good team, playing a match against a very good team, which has done very well recently He has played a few finals and there is always tension between us.
He said, “So for me, we try to keep the outside noise out, and we focus on how we can play good cricket. After all, we are cricketers. We can’t get too emotional about it because then some decisions can be reckless, which I don’t believe in.
Pandya said, “But, at the same time, it is a mega event. It is an event that I have seen how it tests your character, tests your personality, and at the same time, you see You can see how deep water you are in. So for me, all these factors get me very excited and yes, I can’t wait.”
Additionally, Pandya shed light on his approach towards ODIs and stressed on the need for adaptability in the 50-over format. He also talked about the nuances of preparing for high-risk matches in this format, especially from a mental point of view.
“It’s just that you have a little more time than you think. I believe in T20 as well, you have more time than you think, but at the same time, ODI is a very long game. It is a It is a game where you have time to adapt, you have to get used to the conditions because the game is of 50 overs, and to win against a good team, you have to play 100 overs of good cricket.
“That’s when you win the game. So as a cricketer, for me, my mindset changes only for the fact that I start preparing as per the demands of the ODI format, and if the preparation is proper, I just go there. and read the position. Because half the time the position dictates itself, so you don’t have to use rocket science, you just watch the game, watch, try to understand what’s going on and maybe find a better A decision has to be taken.”
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, who was the team’s batting coach during the 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup, highlighted Pandya’s growth since joining the Indian team in 2016, his recovery from a back injury and his all-round development in the format. praised. “Look, he is not a new player. He is a veteran player of the Indian team, he has been in the team since 2016. He has experience and has grown a lot as a person.
“The way he recovered from his injury, got his fitness back and captained the Indian team in the T20 format whenever he got the chance, he has guided the team very well.”
“So because of all these things, you as a person and your character gets well developed, where you understand the game better. And the way he speaks, you get the impression that his These are the qualities inside.”
The top two teams from Groups A and B will advance to the Super Four, where they will play three more games at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which will also host the final on September 17.
