JOIN USHaving received his second India call-up following a tour of Zimbabwe, Manish Pandey intends to cement his place in the Indian team. The right-hander on Saturday was picked for the Indian ODI side that will take on Australia in the five-match series down under, starting January 12.
The Karnataka batsman made his India debut earlier this year in Zimbabwe and scored 71 in the only ODI he got to play. “That was my maiden India tour,” Pandey said after his selection. “It was good to begin like that. I was waiting for this call (from the selectors). I’ve been doing pretty well. I’m feeling confident about my game. Now, I have to make my spot in the team permanent. That’s my goal,” noted Pandey who has replaced Suresh Raina after the southpaw failed to make an impact during the five-match series, which India lost 2-3, against South Africa.
Pandey also hopes to use the Australia series to clinch a place in India World T20 squad. The biennial event will be held in India in March next year.
“It is a dream for any cricketer to play in the World Cup and I want to use every opportunity that I get to make a case for myself for selection in the Indian team for the World T20. I have had a decent record in the IPL as well," he pointed out.
Pandey felt his experience of having played in Australia in the past will come in handy. In July last year, the 26-year-old played four matches for India ‘A’ in the Darwin Quadrangular One-Day Series where he had a top score of 91.
“Having played there, I know what to expect. I know the conditions and I’m ready for the challenge.”