‘A big platform to prove one’s mettle’

Shreyas and Pandey look to use series as springboard for national selection

Manish Pandey

With wet ground conditions forcing the players to stay away from Mulapadu, venue of the Quadrangular Series one-day cricket championship featuring India-A and B teams, Australia-A and South Africa-A teams, the focus shifted to indoor training as was the case with some of the India-A members training at the Mangaligiri ACA Indoor Academy on Friday.

For his part, India-A captain Shreyas Iyer reminds that for many young talent here the dream is to play in the 2019 World Cup and he is no different.

“The only way I can force my way into the Indian team is to perform consistently in every tournament and get noticed (by national selectors),” says Shreyas.

“This Quadrangular Series is a big platform to prove one’s mettle against the visiting teams which have some quality players,” he said.

“As cricketers we are used to the ups and downs and we have to keep moving on to realise our goals with the desired hard work,” says Shreyas, who has fond memories of Mulapadu having scored a fine century against New Zealand-A last time he played here.

And, not surprisingly, India-B captain Manish Pandey, like many of the fringe players here, is optimistic of scoring runs here to be back in contention for a slot in the Indian team, especially eyeing for the Asia Cup.

“I had a month’s break, focussed on some niggles and now in perfect frame of mind and physically too for this series. Hope to score runs. There is always pressure. We have to get used to these sort of things to keep moving on,” says Manish Pandey.

“The first objective is to help the team’s cause here and help it reach the final. Well, when I think about my batting, it should be middle-order here.

“Well, this series is a proving ground for me to get runs and get looked (by the national selectors),”says Manish.

“I just want to enjoy my batting. Focus on what I can do best and help the team’s cause,” he says.

“You have to be ready always for your chances. The more games I play the more experienced I will get and read the game better in any given situation,” he concluded.