Sachin Tendulkar said I would play for India, recalls Hardik Pandya

In the last edition of IPL, Pandya, impressed many with his all-rounder skills.

New Delhi: Hardik Pandya, who has been selected in Team India's T20 squad for the forthcoming tour of Australia, disclosed that once legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar told him that he would represent the country.

Pandya told the Times of India that Tendulkar came up to him and said: “I shouldn't be saying this to you but I can tell that you are going to play for India in the next one-and-half years.” 

In the last edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), the 22-year-old, Baroda cricketer impressed many with his all-rounder skills, while representing Mumbai Indians.

All-rounder is thrilled after making it into the national squad.

“I was expecting this but there were doubts... when I saw my name, I was pleasantly surprised.

“I have been performing well for quite sometime now so it was there at the back of my mind but it has indeed come as a surprise,” added Pandya.

The big-hitter of the cricket ball, didn't forget to thank the people who helped him reaching this far.

“I owe my success first to my parents (Himanshu and Nalini) and my brother Krunal, who plays for Baroda too; my coach Jitendra Singh (Jitu Sir), my guide Kiran More and my mentor Irfan Pathan. I have been talking a lot to Ricky Ponting after I came close to him during my IPL days."