New Delhi:
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has put down the comparison between him and the World Cup winning legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev after his sublime fifer against England in the ongoing 3rd Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
The 24-year-old dismantled the English batting line-up in his 6 overs to help the visitors pile pressure on the hosts.
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"I don't want to be Kapil Dev. Let me be Hardik Pandya. I'm good at being Hardik Pandya," said the flamboyant all-rounder.
Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev took 434 Test wickets in 131 matches and averaged a solid 31 with the bat.
"I've played 40 one-day internationals and now 10 Tests as Hardik Pandya. He was great of his era, but stop comparing me to Kapil Dev. I would be happy if you don't," he added.
Pandya has been the centre of criticism after a torrid start by the Indians in the Test series. But, the Mumbai Indians man answered his critics on the field with a brilliant spell of bowling.
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Before the beginning of the ongoing third Test, former West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding said Pandya is not a Test all-rounder and questioned his ability to play the longest format of the game.
"I don't care what they say. I play for my country, I am doing the right thing and my team is happy with me - nothing else matters," Pandya said when asked if his fifer was a reply to his critics.
England collapsed at just 161 in reply to India’s 329 in the first innings, as Virat Kohli and co extended it to 292 by scoring 124/2 in their second innings at stumps on Day 2
