Kohli hails star all-rounder Pandya after series win over Australia

Indore Sep 24 (IANS) Captain Virat Kohli praised Hardik Pandya describing the Baroda all-rounder as a "star" as he helped India defeat Australia by five wickets to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) cricket series here on Sunday.

Right-hander Pandya promoted to No.4 cracked a match-winning 78 off 72 deliveries as India chased down Australia s total of 293/6 with 2.1 overs to spare.

Pandya now a regular for India in all the three formats had also ended Australia s opening partnership of 70 runs between David Warner (42) and Aaron Finch (124).

The Baroda man had also scored 83 in a match-saving knock in the first ODI. He also has five wickets in the series so far.

"He s a star. He bowls bats and fields as well. He is the guy we were looking for in a long time. He gives us great balance in the squad " Kohli said of the 23-year-old at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"He is a great asset for Indian cricket. He never doubts himself. He has great self-belief and likes challenging himself " Kohli said.

Asked about the idea behind promoting the right-hander Pandya ahead of the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Manish Pandey Kohli said: "His promotion today was (head coach) Ravi (Shastri) Bhai s thought. He felt we needed to attack the spinner (Ashton Agar) to keep him out of the game."

Man-of-the-Match Pandya said: It feels good but I couldn t finish the match. I saw the promotion as an opportunity than a surprise. I wanted to target the left-arm spinner.

"When I got the sixes I knew that I can play a few dot balls as well. I try to contribute in every way I can. I want to get better there s always scope for improvement."

--IANS
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