March 29, 2024

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I did expect Team India call to come: Manish Pandey

I did expect Team India call to come: Manish Pandey

After a string of impressive performances for Karnataka in domestic circuit and Kolkata Knight Riders in the T20s, Manish Pandey is finally rewarded for his efforts and got his maiden call in the national squad for a one-off T20 against the West Indies.

Pandey has been one of the leading run-getters for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, averaging 53.37 in 57 first-class matches. The 25-year-old, however, made to wait for a long time for a national team call.

Manish Pandey gets maiden India call. Image Credit: IPLT20
Manish Pandey gets maiden India call. Image Credit: IPLT20

The stylish batsman managed to get the attention of the selectors, with an impressive performance in the Champions League T20 for the Knight Riders by scoring 401 in this year’s edition.

“I am feeling great, really,” Pandey told Deccan Herald. “It has always been my dream to play for India and I have waited for this day for a while. The journey so far has been slow and steady and I think with this (selection), it can only get better from here.”

“Having done well in the past one year or so, whether it’s for Karnataka or KKR, I knew I was in the mix,” he added. “So, yes I did expect a call to come.”

“Surely, the faith KKR have shown in me has helped me a lot as a Twenty20 player. The support within the team has been fantastic and it has helped me play better and all this has helped me.”

Pandey insisted that there were occasions when he felt he wasn’t awarded for his hard-work but never lost hope and his patience is finally rewarded.

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