In regular touch with Ponting, will ask for his advice in Australia: Pandya

HARDIK PANDYA SHOT to fame after playing a few breezy knocks for the Mumbai Indians in the 2015 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and now finds himself in the Indian T20 squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. The Baroda all-rounder enjoys using his long handle to good effect and also has the uncanny ability to break threatening partnerships. 

And, given that team India has been on the lookout for a match-winning all-rounder in the limited overs format, Pandya is confident that he has the ability to fill in the much-needed slot. 

As reported by zeenewsindia, the 22-year old said, 

"I am definitely eyeing the all-rounder’s position in the team. With my decent pace and batting abilities, I can be the perfect No. 7 that India are looking for. That is the reason why I insisted on becoming an all-rounder, rather than a batsman who can bowl a bit.”

Pandya has been extremely lucky to have learnt the tricks of the trade under the watchful eyes of Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting at the Mumbai Indians and feels that the former Australian skipper might give him some invaluable advice as the series gets underway in Australia. 

Speaking to BCCT.tv, Pandya said, 

“I am regularly in touch with Ricky (Ponting) and now that I am going to Australia, I will call him up and ask him how I should prepare for those conditions and pitches. A few people are not sure if he will help me out in this regard, but I know he won’t say no to me. I know he will be there to help me in whichever way he can.”