Interview with Manish Pandey: "Wasim is still the toughest bowler to face in the KKR nets"

Manish Pandey became the first Indian to score a 100 in the IPL

Manish Pandey shot to limelight when he became the first Indian batsman to score a hundred in the IPL in 2009. Known for exhilarating stroke-play and aggressive attitude, Pandey has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit from last few years. His superlative form was instrumental in Karnataka winning the Ranji Trophy on the trot in 2013-14 and 2014-15. His selection in the Indian ODI squad for Zimbabwe tour is an apposite opportunity for him to make a mark at an international level.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview with the 25-year-old batsman:

Q. Your first thoughts on the selection in the ODI squad for Zimbabwe tour?

It is like a dream come true for me. I always harboured the desire to represent my country at an international level. Last year, I was selected in the T20 squad for a match against West Indies but unfortunately it could not take place. I’m glad that selectors took note of my performances and have rewarded me suitably.

You have been extremely consistent in first-class cricket from the last 5 years, but you are selected for the ODIs and not for Tests as yet.

I was the highest run-scorer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (Ranji ODIs) this year, so it is not like I was only scoring runs in the first-class cricket. Also, I am known as an aggressive batsman who likes to take on bowlers. I’ll be thrilled if and when I would be selected for Tests. I love playing cricket whichever be the format. I have the technique and temperament to come good in all formats.

How do you explain the dichotomy that despite being more successful in the longer-format, the general perception about you is that of a flamboyant and swashbuckling batsman?

I think it has got to do with my exploits in the IPL. Most of the viewers have seen me batting in the IPL and belting the ball, hence this perception. The fact is that I have been consistently scoring runs across all formats. I am really happy that I am being looked upon as someone who has the capability to excel in all formats.

Your sterling performances were instrumental in Karnataka lifting the Ranji Trophy in consecutive years. How was your experience being part of the Ranji-winning team?

The performance of Karnataka was a tad patchy till a couple of years ago. We were playing excellent cricket in patches. We reached quarter-final and semi-final but could not win the big matches. That experience taught a lot to all of us and we rectified our follies. It is exceedingly satisfying that we managed to win the last two editions of the Ranji Trophy. It is a huge achievement. The credit goes to the whole team. Vinay Kumar led the team with remarkable guts.

Karnataka team consists of many promising youngsters like KL Rahul, Karun Nair and you who have performed admirably in the last couple of Ranji seasons. Is there a sense of competition among three of you?

Look, we all are extremely competitive cricketers. There is a healthy competition among us as we all look to perform to the best of your abilities. We take inspiration and suggestions from each other and there’s good bonhomie. Ultimately, our common goal is to contribute significantly and help the team win matches.

Currently, you represent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. How is the experience of sharing the dressing room with the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Jacques Kallis, and Wasim Akram?

It has been an amazing experience being a part of the KKR. Gambhir is a terrific captain and backs me to the hilt. He gives me immense confidence and makes me believe that I am an integral part of the KKR team. Kallis is a legend of the game and one learns a lot just by observing him. I have had a few conversations with him and those were quite enriching. Wasim Akram still has a lot of zing and bite in his bowling. He is still the toughest bowler to face in the nets. He’s a genius and one of the best fast bowlers I’ve ever seen.

You achieved overnight fame when you became the first Indian batsman to hammer a ton in the IPL in 2009. How do you see your evolution as a batsman and as a person in last six years?

I have become more experienced and mature as a batsman in last 6 years. Playing a host of matches across all formats has given me tremendous confidence and exposure. I have become more aware of my game and have ironed out a few chinks. I’m more self-assured and confident in my approach towards the game. One picks up these nuances as he plays more matches.

Who has been your role model since childhood, someone you look up to?

Rahul Dravid has been my role model ever since I was a kid. I have watched him play for Karnataka as well as India. He scored mountain of runs all over the world and his conduct off the field has always been exemplary. Be it technique or temperament, he is cut above the rest.