The flamboyant Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya interacted with young cricketers of Baroda Cricket Association on June 25 along with his brother Krunal, giving them some pep talk. Hardik pointed out what makes the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni successful and urged the aspiring cricketers to have an unquenchable thirst to become No. 1 in whatever they do but by being true to their own selves.

Hardik said during his recent conversation with Kohli a couple of days ago during which he asked his India captain something that he has never asked him: ‘What is the reason behind your excellence?’.

Sharing Kohli’s answer with the young cricketers, Hardik said they have to set a goal to become the best.

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Recalling the conversation, Hardik said, “At least 10 of you should play for India. Otherwise, I will be disappointed. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to play with me in 10 year’s time. It will be fun,” Hardik told the bunch of young cricketers. I was talking to Virat (Kohli) two days ago. I asked him something that I never asked him before. I asked him ‘What is the reason behind your excellence?’.”

Explaining it further, Hardik said, “He sent me a message. ‘Your attitude is fine, everything is fine. Just you have to keep one thing in mind to reach and have that kind of consistency. You have to have a great hunger to become No. 1 in the right way. Not by pushing anyone down but based on your hard work and merit you should set becoming No. 1 as your goal’.”

Hardik also quoted the examples of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, saying the star cricketers never like be No. 2 but they don’t have a problem if they come second.

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The Indian all-rounder further explained, “Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni they are extremely consistent because they don’t want to come 2nd but if they do, they don’t have a problem with it. They will once again begin their work to become the No. 1. You have strive to be the best. If you’re a bowler, you have to be the best. If you’re training, then you have to be eager to train. In life, you need to compete with yourself.”