India vs Pakistan: Credit to management for making this Indian team most secure, says Hardik Pandya

Ahead of India vs Pakistan, Indian all rounder Hardik Pandya credit the Indian team for a secure environment where players do not feel the pressure of playing for the Indian team.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya credit the Indian team management for creating a secure environment for the players so that they can express themselves without fear. Pandya, who was in and out of the team due to injury said that he has always been treated with respect by the management despite not being a regular member of the Indian team for a considerable period of time.“I have been in and out of the team, but to see the respect and value they have given me is incredible. The kind of mindset we are coming from, the players are much more relaxed. They don't want to feel the pressure of playing for India, they just want to express themselves. Credit to the management for making this team much more secure than any team I have ever played with in the past,” Pandya said.

The all-rounder said that India came prepared well for their game and for him it was about performing in a relaxed frame of mind.

"We have prepared well, it is a special game but as players we have to focus on it as any other game. It has never been the case that I wouldn't want to show what I have, but it is about being in a peaceful place and performing. It is never about proving a point," the player said.

On Sunday, India won the toss and did not hesitate to opt for bowling first. Rohit Sharma said that Dinesh Karthik had been given a look into the squad instead of Rishabh Pant, who captained India in the home series vs South Africa.