Manish Pandey celebrates his double ton at Porvorim.
Photo Credits: Basil Sylvester Pinto
PANAJI
What David Warner may have done for Australia in his 100th Test in Melbourne against South Africa a day before, something similar was on show at the Academy ground in Porvorim on Wednesday.
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match in Porvorim, Karnataka middle-order batter, Manish Pandey registered his fifth First Class double hundred in his milestone 100th First Class match against hosts Goa to put the visitors in a position to dictate terms from.
Speaking to the media at stumps on Day 2, Manish Pandey appeared as pleased as punch with his unbeaten 208, in his 100th First Class match. "It feels really good. To be honest, I wanted to actually give it to the team that has given me so much. I wanted to perform and give Karnataka a chance to get Goa all out twice. I wanted to bat as fast as possible, and score as many runs as possible," he replied to a question put forth by The Goan.
"I saw David Warner's innings on YouTube as well, and there were likely figures there (in the Melbourne Test) and that was absolutely inspiring," the 100 First Class match veteran added.
The late afternoon bore witness to an emotionally pumped Pandey celebrating his fifth double hundred in First Class cricket, in company of a 21-year-old Shubhang Hegde, playing in only his second game at the level.
"Something like that comes your way after a long time. I have been batting well in the first two games (in the FC season) but not able to convert 30s, 40s to a bigger score. I thought I had an opportunity in this game. The teammates and coaches backed me up and they asked me to play my natural game and that is what I did. I am really happy with my score today," the 33-year-old said.
Pandey revealed it was a deliberate ploy to accelerate further for his second 100 that took a mere 63 deliveries, to the first which consumed 120 balls. "The plan was to give our bowlers enough time to get the other team out twice. We are looking to get 6 points from this game. The more overs and time we get to bowl, it should help our bowlers because the wicket seems a little slow and a little dry. I was batting well and I thought to take my chances and everything went to place," the India international revealed.
At the stage of his career he is at, a mature Pandey looks at it with a mature outlook.
"100 (First Class) games is not a joke, it takes a lot of effort over a period of 14-15 years. At this stage, it matters to me a lot. I want to stay humble , do good, help my teammates and help Karnataka to get 6 points in this game," he matter-a-factly said.
To another question by The Goan, he admitted that competitiveness within the Karnataka side with internationals and hopefuls to that level, the best in him as a player comes to the fore.
"I was thinking and talking about this to the coach as well. You have to have healthy competition in the team. It is where a lot of us get our inspiration from.
If our top 5 batsmen are doing well, you want to be among the top 5 run -scorers. If someone is getting 5-fers, you want to be among them," Pandey admitted.
"Having healthy competition in the team is a very good platform and opportunity for all of us to do well," stated the attacking batter to conclude.
