New Delhi: The fact India lack a quality all-rounder in limited overs cricket is well documented.
From Irfan Pathan to Ravindra Jadeja, several players have auditioned for that key role but none have made it their own.
If one believes the supremely confident Hardik Pandya, then India's problems in that department could soon be coming to an end.
Speaking to the Indian Express, the Baroda all-rounder said he had it in him to deliver the goods on the grand stage.
“Confidence hai bhai, self belief. I have a feeling that ab India ko all-rounder ke zarorat nahi padegi. I have had a good preparation and whatever I have seen on television, Australia will not be difficult,” said the 22-year-old
“My nature is such that I trust myself 200 per cent. People are saying it will not be easy for me, bhai. Even I know that, but if I don’t trust myself how I will do well?,” he further added.
Pandya along veteran cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Ashish Nehra arrived in Australia for the T20 series against Australia starting Tuesday.
Pandya's talents were first noticed in the Indian Premier League, where he played a crucial role in helping Mumbai Indians win their second title in 2015.
The explosive batsman has been in sensational form of late, playing big knocks in domestic cricket.
Apart from scoring quick runs, Pandya has chipped in with wickets as well.
His most famous knock in recent times came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he clobbered Delhi pacer Akash Sudan for a record-34 runs in an over.
It remains to be seen whether this young gun makes his India debut on Tuesday, but one thing is for certain, Pandya lacks nothing in the confidence department.
A good show in Australia could see Pandya being rewarded with a place in India's squad for the ICC World T20 on home soil as well.
