Pandey hopes IPL proves to be a turning point

Manish Pandey,who became the first Indian to hit a century in the IPL last week...

Manish Pandey,who became the first Indian to hit a century in the IPL last week,said on Wednesday that he hoped the two successive Man of the Match awards will provide a big boost to his career.

I am more confident now. The IPL is a big stage and the performance will surely help me go further. Its probably a turning point in my cricketing career, said the 19-year-old,who smashed an unbeaten 114 to the Bangalore Royal Challengers to the semis,where he struck a composed 48 in a tricky chase.

Twenty20 cricket is all about hitting the ball outside the boundary… It does not really matter who the bowler is… I just like to play with aggression, he said.

Dravid factor

He credited Rahul Dravid for his success,saying he had always looked up to the former India captain.

I always looked up to him as a cricketer. (Rahul) Dravid sir is a legend and he really motivated me on and off the field… Im really indebted to him, said Pandey.

I was really fortunate to bat with him (Dravid) in the semi-final against Chennai Super Kings… I grew up watching him and Sachin Tendulkar so I really feel lucky to have played with them, he said on his return from South Africa.

Praise from Dhoni

While there were plenty of nervous moments,and fluky shots in his century,the innings in the semi-final was extremely well-paced. Pandey admits that he was thrilled when,after that win,Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni came up to him.

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He personally congratulated me… It feels great to be praised by the Team India skipper. He is an amazing captain and carries himself so well on the field, Pandey said.

With the IPL done,Pandey is now looking forward to making an impression on the next big stage he will play in the T20 Champions League in October. I hope to carry on with my confidence and come up with a good show in the opening edition of the tournament. Then,there is the domestic season that I am really looking forward to.

Though his early success has come in the shortest format of the game,Pandey is keen to prove his worth in the longer formats. The longer version of cricket tests your cricketing ability. You have got be very patient and I am looking forward to prove myself on that front.