‘This cap was never given to anyone for free,’ says Manish Pandey as Karnataka prepares to win the Ranji Trophy. “I’m going to play my 95th game with the same intensity that I played my first,” Pandey said.
Manish Pandey, an Indian batter, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarter-final round. He is the captain of the Karnataka team, which will play Uttar Pradesh this week. Pandey stated that playing Ranji Trophy for Karnataka is where he feels most at home, and he enjoys the added responsibility of captain.
In first-class cricket, the 32-year-old has an impressive average of 52.9. He made his Karnataka debut in 2008 and has won this prestigious trophy twice. Karnataka is one of the favorites to win this season, but it will be up against giants Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.
Pandey is having a fantastic domestic season in the red-ball format so far, with 352 runs from six innings at an impressive average of 117.33. He has two centuries, including a 156-run knock against Railways, and has been not out on three occasions.
Also Read: Ex-Chief Selector On Team India’s “Comeback Man” Dinesh Karthik
‘I feel like I’m at my best here,’ says Manish Pandey of his time with Karnataka.
Pandey spoke about leading his team to the championship game this season through the efforts of his teammates and himself. He stated that he has done well to be on this team and that he will play his 95th match with the same zeal as his first.
“Everyone agrees on one point: no one is indispensable.” Nobody ever got this cap for free. We’ve all worked very hard for it. Even today, I am motivated by my hard work and hunger. “I’m going to play my 95th game with the same intensity that I played my first,” Pandey told ESPNcricinfo.
In the recently concluded IPL 2022, he struggled to score big with LSG, scoring only 88 runs from six matches at an average of 14.66 and a strike rate of 110.00. Pandey also mentioned how, after a hectic season, he is shifting his focus from the t20 format to red-ball cricket.
“Whenever I return from the IPL or a long tour, this is where I look forward to the most.” I feel at my best here [in the Karnataka setup] with the coaching staff and players we have. Furthermore, the added responsibility of captain requires you to be in the driver’s seat and steer the team. “I enjoy the extra responsibility; it helps me and ensures that the XI guys we have always give their all to make Karnataka a better team,” he said.
Also Read: Ashwin Tells “Scary” Australia Tour Story