Hardik Pandya made his ODI debut for India against New Zealand in the 1st ODI at Dharamsala. He became the 215th player to represent India in ODIs and his bowling figures were the 4th best by an Indian debutant. He opens up in an interview to BCCI.

“It was a dream debut to start with. I am quite lucky to represent India in ODIs. I guess this was the best thing I could have got. I was getting the feeling that I might make my debut. Still, I had some nervousness as to whether I might play or not. When I got to know in a meeting I was quite pleased.”

He was pleased that he received his ODI cap from Kapil Dev. “Definitely I will cherish this for a long time because someone like Kapil Dev is giving me my ODI cap. The feeling is quite amazing. He also made his Test debut on this date.”

He talked about his opening spell with the new ball. “Ball was a doing a lot, it was swinging. I knew that if I put it in the right spot, something will happen. Two balls went for fours, but I still backed myself. Just keep it there, something will happen and eventually it happened.”

It is always important for any bowler to have the backing of his skipper. “He (Dhoni) was always backing me. Even after I went for a couple of fours in the first over. Before the second over he did not tell me anything and didn’t make me nervous. He just said keep bowling well. It came out pretty well.”

Guptill’s dismissal was well planned. “I was not trying to get him there. But a wicket is a wicket. I wanted him to get out nicking. I wanted him to drive. I wanted him to get out caught behind”

Hardik was commended for increasing his pace and hurrying the batsmen. “I was not looking to bowl 140 plus. I just wanted to bowl in the right spot. I was not focussing on bowling 140 plus.”

Being healthy and fit is essential for a fast bowler and Hardik has improved his fitness by hard work. “I was working on my fitness. I wanted my body to get strong. As a fast bowler and all-rounder I need to be very fit. The only part that can help my bowling is my fitness. I had two months to get stronger. I got the result.”

In almost everything in life a good start is half the battle won and Hardik got his ODI career off to a dream start. “It was a very good start for me and for the team as well. I want to continue my performance and the team’s performance as well.”
“It is important to share good experiences with family. I am going to call them and see them on Facetime. I am going to tell them what happened and how it happened. Lots of memories will be shared.”

It will be good for Indian cricket if Hardik can build on his good start.

Quotes taken from bcci.tv