'Learnt a lot watching Dhoni-Kohli partnership'

For ambitious youngsters, the third ODI between India and New Zealand was a very good learning experience. Joining forces with India in a spot of bother at 41/2 while chasing 286 for victory, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni put on an exhibition.

The stand-out feature about their 151-run association was the way they soaked up all the pressure and paced the chase. Even when Dhoni got out for 80, Kohli carried on to make a brilliant unbeaten 151 to power India home.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya, one of the young faces in the Indian set-up, said watching the limited overs skipper and Test captain bat at Mohali was a huge lesson learnt. “There's a lot to learn when both of them bat. Their batting, running between the wickets inspire us. It's of next level. It's fun to watch them bat together,” said Pandya at the pre-match press conference.

Pandya, who could have taken India to victory in the second ODI in Delhi if not for a false shot in the dying stages of the game, said he’s an evolving cricketer and will learn from such mistakes. “I will learn from mistakes. I will try not repeat that shot. Well I've played that shot before that as well. It was just not my day. I will learn from mistakes and such experiences will play a role,” felt the Gujarati.

Pandya also rubbished thoughts that the team is heavily reliant on Kohli. “When Virat bats, it boosts the confidence obviously. He is a high impact player so obviously it creates pressure when he gets out cheaply and the team has to start building again. Generally he scores for the team. But as a cricketer we are ready and every batsman has his way of building the innings.”