Dealing with the pressure of expectations will be a big challenge for the Indian team in the ongoing World Cup at home, but all-rounder Hardik Pandya sees the positive side of it.
Pandya believes the strong cheering and vocal support of the loyal Indian fans can lift his side to World Cup glory after 12 years.
Notably, India’s last World Cup triumph came in 2011 when MS Dhoni and his men clinched the title playing on home soil.
"It is exciting with a lot of expectations, but at the same time we are going to get a lot of love and support and cheers which is going to get the best out of us," Pandya said on the latest episode of The ICC Review podcast.
"We have got some world class batters and world class bowlers. We just need to come together, play fearless, take the pressure and expectation to our advantage and continue what we have done,” he added.
India’s record in the ICC events has been quite underwhelming in the last 10 years. After MS Dhoni led the side to a Champions Trophy triumph in 2013, India have lost as many as four ICC tournament finals and bowed out in the semi-finals on numerous occasions.
"We have been No.1 (ranked side) for quite some time in recent years and it means definitely we have done really well and we just need to turn that moment into World Cups and we are confident this year we will be able to," Hardik said.
Hardik Pandya was part of the India team that was knocked out of the 2019 World Cup in the semi-final stage by New Zealand.
"I have always wanted to do a lot of good things in my life, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would reach here," the all-rounder stated.
"It has been a blessing and a lot of good deeds done by my parents to get what I have and credit to them to see that and make sure I played the sport but at the same time I supported.
"It was a dream to play for the country and I am living the dream," he further remarked.
India will begin their 2023 World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday (October 8).
