Hardik Pandya quashes comparisons with Kapil Dev & Stokes, here's what he said

Ace Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has often drawn comparisons with legendary Kapil Dev ever since he received his ODI cap from former India skipper. all-rounder is set to make his comeback to Indian team for upcoming New Zealand tour after being sidelined due to injury. Pandya, however, on Sunday said that he does t compare himself with likes of Ben Stokes and legendary Kapil Dev. 

'I just want to be Hardik'

Speaking to a leading news daily on Sunday, Pandya said that he does t want look at comparisons with Ben Stokes and Kapil Dev. Placing team before his personal achievements, Pandya added, "I have to be at my 100% that is what matters to me. I have to ensure that team wins even if I score less, that will make me more happy. I just want to be myself."

Pandya on Dhoni's run out

Hardik Pandya also reflected upon unfortunate run-out of MS Dhoni that led to Indian side's exit from 2019 World Cup. He said that biggest trauma was when MS Dhoni had got out because he was confident that Dhoni would get India past finish line like he had done it on so many instances even on that particular day as well. Pandya n mentioned that it was a miracle throw from Martin Guptill and had it t been for that run out n y were still confident of winning contest. 

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Meanwhile, Mumbai all-rounder also said he was confident that MS would have found a way to score two sixes. He n went on to add when that unfortunate run-out had happened, y were still feeling that MS had made his ground and also went on to mention that one does t generally see a run-out with Dhoni. y n saw it on screen and also saw former skipper walk back to pavilion. 

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'It was emotionally challenging as well'

While speaking about his injury phase which forced him to stay away from team, Pandya revealed how challenging it was for him to recover from surgery and furr apprised about his emotional moment after speaking to Virat Kohli about his surgery.  “I had a word with Virat. He just dropped a mess, asking me how I am (after surgery). I replied ‘I am good but I just wish that one in world goes through a back surgery’. I was obviously in meds and all and it was emotionally challenging as well."

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