India’s vice-captain, Hardik Pandya, has opened up about the unique challenges he faces as an all-rounder, citing his workload as two to three times that of specialist batsmen or bowlers. With the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the Super-4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 approaching, Pandya discussed his role in the team and the importance of self-belief in an exclusive interview with Star Sports on “Follow the Blues.”

Pandya, who scored an impressive half-century with 87 runs in the only match he had the opportunity to bat in during the current Asia Cup against Pakistan in Pallekele, emphasized the additional responsibilities that come with being an all-rounder.

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“As an all-rounder, my workload is twice or thrice as anyone else. When a batter in the team goes and bats and finishes his batting and is heading home, I’ll still be bowling after that. So for me, all the managing, all the pushing, and everything happens during the sessions or my training or my pre-camp season,” explained Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya said “As an all-rounder, my workload is twice or thrice as anyone else. A batter goes home after finishing his job but I have to bowl too after that.”#Cricket pic.twitter.com/PzbRnTp8v9

— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) September 9, 2023

The dynamic all-rounder, who has scored 1,753 runs and taken 74 wickets in 79 ODIs for India, stressed the importance of self-confidence and belief in achieving success.

“What I have realized is that no matter what happens, you have to back yourself, you have to believe that you are the best in the world. That does not guarantee you success, but at the same point of time, it does give you and it does guide you to work towards success, so practically back yourself,” added Hardik Pandya.

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The upcoming clash between India and Pakistan promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with Pakistan entering the game on the back of two comprehensive victories. In contrast, India has had limited opportunities to bat and bowl, with one full batting performance and one bowling outing. The two teams are set to face off in Colombo on September 10.