All-rounder Hardik Pandya has said that comparisons with Indian legend Kapil Dev are unwarranted and that he should be left alone to perform on the basis of his capabilities.
Pandya took career-best figures of 5/28 as England were bowled out for 161 in reply to India's 329. The visitors finished day two on 124/2, thus taking an overall 292-run lead.
The all-rounder also took on his critics saying he doesn't play for them.
"They have created their era, let me be Hardik Pandya. Let's stop comparing me with anyone. I will be happy if you don't," he said yesterday after a game-changing performance,” added Pandya.
Pandya ran through the England line-up after Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah were unable to hit the right lengths.
Aiming his guns at the recent criticism that has come after defeats in Birmingham and Lord's, Pandya made it clear that he plays for the country and is not answerable to anyone but the team.
Talking about Sharma's influence, Pandya said, "Ishant and I, we keep talking about the game because I love to improve no matter how. So as bowlers we keep on taking. Captain has lots of things under his belt, so as a bowling unit we need to step up and think in our way as well. We are going to make life difficult for the batsmen and Ishant was telling me the same thing don't go for the wickets.”
Last year in Sri Lanka, Pandya had scored his maiden Test hundred at Pallekele. He said that the five-wicket haul gave him more pleasure.
Last but not the least, he praised youngster Rishabh Pant who became the first Indian wicket-keeper to take five catches in his first Test.
"We were making fun as well and he is amazing behind the stumps, KL (Rahul) as well when you know someone is catching so well, you know as a bowler if you create a chance they will grab it," he signed off.
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(With inputs from PTI)
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