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High on runs ’n’ hope
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Manish Pandey is the lone Karnataka player to be part of the India under-19 squad. The 18-year-old hopes to do well in the World Cup in Malaysia and also play for India
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Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.
On the threshold Manish Pandey: ‘I am excited to be part of the squad and I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity’
There is an air of nonchalance to Manish Pandey. And typical of adolescents, he has a wandering mind.When asked about his favourite batsmen, the 18-year old’s answers have often swapped ‘Ricky Ponting’ for ‘Kevin PietersenR
17;. He may be a bit confused about his batting idol but when it comes to his own batting, he is crystal clear. “I am an orthodox batsman who prefers to settle down initially. I like to get those singles and then play my shots. But yes if the situation demands I can play big shots as well,” Manish says.
It is this clarity in approach backed by consistent batting exploits that has propelled him as the lone Karnataka player in the India under-19 squad currently touring Malaysia for the Under-19 World Cup. “I am excited to be part of the World Cup squad and I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity,” Manish says. Manish recently trained at the National Cricket Academy with the rest of the squad under the watchful eyes of coach Dav Whatmore.
The young lad’s story has been a tale of constant travel and consistent runs. Born in Nainital, Manish has often moved places thanks to a father who is an army officer. “My father used to get transferred and the family used to move with him. I came to Bangalore three years ago when he was transferred here from Nasik,” Manish says adding: “He is now posted in Rajasthan but I decided to stay on in Bangalore. This is the place where my career got a boost so I thought of pursuing my cricket based from here. Earlier I have played in Nasik and was even part of Maharashtra’s under-14 probables list.”
Rapid strides
Manish’s rapid strides in cricket were initially etched in the KSCA league matches. In his first year in Bangalore, Manish played for Friends Cricket Club in the fourth division league. Later he turned out for Jawans CC in the second division and scored the maximum runs for his team. A year later he scored more than 800 runs for Jawans CC in the first division and his selection into the State under-19 team seemed inevitable. Donning the State’s colours, Manish scored a double century against Maharashtra and followed it up with centuries against Andhra and Kerala.
His prolific form was noticed by the National junior selection committee and soon he was part of the India under-19 squad.
He toured Sri Lanka and had moderate success. He shifted gears in South Africa where he had scores of 30 n.o., 54 and 74. The 74 was struck against Bangladesh in the one-day series final and it got him the ‘man of the final’ award. “I am happy with the way I played in South Africa and I hope to build on that confidence in Malaysia. I want to play for India and that is my dream,” Manish says.
Last year, he was part of the State Ranji squad though he never got a chance to be a part of the playing eleven.
The State cap should soon come his way though it all depends on his consistency. And if he does well for Karnataka, his ‘playing for India’ hopes might get a fillip. For now, however, Manish would love to take one step at a time.
And at the back of his mind, he would know that players ranging from Yuvraj Singh to the present day tyros like Robin Uthappa, have all excelled for India under-19 teams before getting national recognition.
Malaysia might well be the turning point in his career though these are still early days.
K. C. VIJAYA KUMAR
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