R Ashwin defends teammate Hardik Pandya, says he is not rude at all

Ashwin also talks about how Asia Cup is a good opportunity for Pandya.

R Ashwin and Hardik Pandya | GETTY

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is extremely polite says his Test teammate R Ashwin. Hardik is usually misjudged as a rude guy but Ashwin, in a talk with India Today on Monday explained that the youngster has a very good heart and he is actually a small kid.

Ashwin cleared that people have the wrong perception about the Gujarat cricketer. "Hardik Pandya is anything but cocky and rude. He is an extremely gentle character. The way he comes out on social media is a reflection of his personality. If you have a one-on-one conversation with him you will feel he is actually a small kid," said Ashwin in the session "India, India" at the Salaam Cricket 2018 held at the Hotel Address Boulevard in Dubai.

India will start their Asia Cup 2018 campaign on Tuesday. They will clash with the winner of qualifiers Hong Kong before facing Pakistan on the next day. Ashwin sees the tournament as an opportunity for players who are coming back to the side. 

Indian skipper Virat Kohli isn't part of the side and it is Rohit Sharma who will lead the side in his absence. 

"People go out and take it with both hands, they want to rule the roost and not join as one of those people who is joining the XI. You take the case of Hardik Pandya for instance. He has also skinned down on the kind of cricketer that he is," Ashwin said.

Talking further about Pandya, Ashwin believes the all-rounder likes to express himself in all three departments.

"He bowls, he bats, he is someone who is sought after as well. He comes under the critical parameters a lot more. But the guy just goes out there and expresses himself. There are a lot of characters like that in the dressing room who will take this opportunity head-on rather than shying away," Ashwin added.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 18 Sep, 2018

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