Looking forward to learn from his mistakes, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has revealed that he looks to limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and swashbuckling batsman Virat Kohli for inspiration to perform at the highest level.
"There's a lot to learn when both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them bat. Their batting, running between wickets inspire us. It's at another level. It's fun to watch them bat together," Pandya said on the eve of the fourth ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand to be held here at JSCA International Stadium Complex.
Pandya's comments came after Kohli (154) and Dhoni (80) stitched a massive 151-run partnership to guide their side to an emphatic seven-wicket win in the third ODI in Mohali last evening.
The match also saw Kohli scoring his 26th ODI century in 166 matches to boost his career average to 52.9. Sixteen of those centuries have come while chasing and 14 led India to victory.
While insisting that he enjoyed watching Dhoni batting up the order at No.4 spot, Pandya said that he is also ready to take up any challenge that would be put before him by the team management.
"It shows positive intent. I enjoyed his (Dhoni) batting. As batsman, it is our job that whatever number I bat at, we should play according to that situation. It's a job for everyone. It gives us confidence for someone who bats lower down the order. It's pretty good," he added.
"I'm pretty ready for everything, whatever overs I get," added Pandya, who was declared 'Man of the Match' for his impressive figures of three for 31 in the side's six-wicket win against New Zealand in Dharamsala.
More From This Section
The 23-year-old, however, nearly pulled off a thrilling chase of 243 runs for India in the second ODI before a slight misjudgment of the short-pitched ball from Trent Boult cost him his precious wicket and hosts the match.
Downplaying his dismissal in the second match, Pandya said that it was not just his day.
"Well I have played that shot before, it was just not my day. I will try not to repeat that and learn from mistakes and experience certainly plays a key role," he insisted.
India, who have now taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, need to win the series by 4-1 or more to rise to third spot in ODI rankings.