The blooming of Pandey

Manish Pandey’s unbeaten 114 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday night, might seem to be the story of an ‘unknown Indian’ enjoying his sudden success. However for those who know him well, the innings has vindicated his enormous talent.

At the National Cricket Academy, there is joy amidst the coaching staff. Pandey often spends his entire day at the academy. “Before leaving for South Africa, we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant and he had said that he will make a mark. Right from our director Dav Whatmore, all are happy,” said an academy official.
Talented lad

Until now Pandey was a talented lad who played for India under-19 and Karnataka. On his Ranji Trophy debut against Railways last November, Pandey scored a 64 before getting a blob in the second innings. The up-and-down ride continued through the season in which he scored 193 runs.

The 19-year old in an earlier interview with The Hindu summed up his batting style. “I am an orthodox batsman who prefers to settle down initially. I like to get those singles and then play my shots. But if the situation demands I can play big shots as well,” he had then said. The shots were evident on Thursday night.
Natural cricketer

Pandey’s uncluttered mind is the key to his success, said Vijay Bharadwaj, who coached Karnataka, last season. “Pandey is a natural cricketer and he is so focused on his own game that other factors don’t affect him. He is talented and needs to be consistent. Having Anil Kumble as the Royal Challengers’ skipper has also helped Pandey,” said Bharadwaj.

Pandey’s story has been that of travel all over India thanks to a father, who is an army officer juggling with transfers. However Pandey’s love for cricket, forced him to strike roots in Bangalore though his father has moved to Rajasthan.

His exploits in the local league helped him secure a berth in the State under-19 team and eventually he was part of the India under-19 squads that toured Sri Lanka, South Africa and eventually won the junior World Cup at Malaysia in 2008.

The spotlight is now on Pandey and Bharadwaj added a note of caution: “There will be expectations but people should give him space. He is not yet a finished product and he needs guidance.”