Hardik Pandya cherishes MS Dhoni partnership

Chennai: Hardik Pandya looked on course for his maiden ODI hundred, but a miscued slog sweep denied him the landmark. His career-best 83 off 66 balls, however, helped India recover from 87/5 to reach a competitive total of 281/7.

The 23-year-old who shared a crucial century partnership with M.S. Dhoni said the constant conversations with the Indian superstar in the middle helped the recovery. “We were speaking how we need to change things up. When Mahi bhai and I were batting, we were looking at 230,” said the all-rounder.

Pandya said the heat was on India when they lost three quick wickets inside six overs. “They were on top, and the pressure was there. We lost wickets and it was important for me to make a partnership with MSD. I have learnt a lot from him and still learning,” he said.

“I was trying to hit out before the 37th over (Adam Zampa’s) as well. Generally my plan is hitting straight and I don’t care if long-off is there or long-on is there. If I connect well, I know I will clear the boundary,” he added.