JOIN USExpectations grow when he walks in. Crowd expects a round of firework, team-mates expect a responsible knock, and the opposition expects his quick return. On a humid Thursday, Pandey obliged the first two sections while producing a hundred tinged with maturity and characteristic aggression.
“It’s always good to get a hundred, and today I really concentrated out there. The wicket was also quite flat apart from the reasonable bounce the Mumbai bowlers managed to procure,” Pandey said.
The only time Pandey looked a bit flustered was against Ramesh Powar. The stocky offie managed to purchase appreciable turn and bounce, and elicited an edge from Pandey that went past the forward short leg fielder, who was a bit late to start for the catch. But Pandey rated it as a good sign for his team.
“Yes, there’s a bit of bounce, and even spinners are getting it. So, it’s good for our bowlers. I think Appanna will love to bowl in such conditions, and I think Mithun too will be quite handful as he can get a lot of bounce,” Pandey said.
However, Pandey was quite aware that his job isn’t finished. He has to come out of the field after completing his hundred, second against Mumbai after that 144 against them in the 2010 Ranji Trophy final in Mysore, due to severe cramps. “There were cramps on my legs and back, so I had to come out. Unfortunately, we lost some wickets in the last session, and we need to reach at least 450 on this wicket. It’s always good to get a hundred against a quality opposition like Mumbai, and I am happy about it. But the job isn’t finished. I am happy that I have managed to convert my start into something substantial today and I am ready to bat tomorrow. But I need to get a few more runs to take the team to a better position,” Pandey said.