Hardik Pandya gives pep talk to Baroda youngsters; shares success stories of Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit with them

Hardik said Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma don't like to be No. 2.

Having made his debut in January 2016, Hardik Pandya has established himself as the leading all-rounder of the Indian cricket team.

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On Thursday (June 25), the 26-year-old Hardik got the opportunity to interact with the young cricketers of Baroda Cricket Association, giving them a pep talk on how to achieve success.

Pandya cited the examples of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni’s attitude and urged the youngsters to have an unquenchable thirst to become No. 1 in their area of interest but by being true to their own selves.

Hardik also narrated a conversation with Kohli in which he asked his Indian captain the reason behind his excellence.

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

"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 group of young players.

"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?'.

"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'.

"Then I came to know how he is as consistent as he is."

Hardik then spilled beans on the traits of Dhoni and Rohit, saying the star cricketers never like be No. 2 but they don't have a problem if they come second.

"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."

(Inputs from India Today)