Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in the past couple of years had led to conjectures about his apparent "lack of communication" with national selectors and team management but the all-rounder on Tuesday (February 1) made it clear that "everyone knows" where he stood.
Pandya's back problem had led to him not bowling a lot in the past two years but he intends to "surprise" everyone during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) where he would be captaining the CVC-owned Ahmedabad franchise.
"They know where I am (in terms of bowling fitness). It has been communicated to everyone," Pandya told PTI during an interaction facilitated by the franchise.
It is understood that the all-rounder has made it clear that he shouldn't be considered for national selection for the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka as he's still working on his bowling workload.
"Hardik the batter and bowler combined sounds much better than Hardik the batter," he said with an admission that he did contemplate becoming a "pure batsman" before deciding otherwise.
On being asked about how his deals with criticism, Pandya said he looks towards constructive criticism but generally criticism doesn’t bother much.
"Healthy criticism is always good, but criticism generally doesn't bother me as I know what I'm doing. I know how much hard yards I have put in. I have always worked hard for the processes and not the result. Results take care of itself when you put in genuine hardwork."
Having played under three fine captains in MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Pandya also spoke about the qualities he would like to inherit from them.
"From Virat, I will pick his aggression and passion, his energy which is tremendous. From Mahi bhai it's the composure, calmness, remaining same in every situation, trying to see what new things he can add and from Rohit, I would pick the freedom as he lets the player decide what he wants to do. These three qualities if I can pick up, it will be a very good combination," the Baroda all-rounder explained.
Pandya has no plans to promote himself for Ahmedabad in the batting order. He said he will take decision according to situation.
Speaking about captaincy the all-rounder said, "It's a good start as IPL gives the platform to test myself in new role as pressure is very similar. Not saying you are expected to win but everyone wants to win.
"It's a right step to go ahead and eventually get captaincy for your country but you don't look for that. If it's suppose to come it will come."
