Tried to replicte Steyn's bowling action: Kiran More

Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) 's selector Kiran More spoke about the early days of Hardik Pandya, who was training under his academy in Baroda. More said that Hardik Pandya surprised everyone with his pace and tried to keep a bowling action similar to South Africa's legend Dale Steyn. 

"He was unplayable in the nets and a surprise for everyone. 'Who is this quick bowler, bowling at 135-140kmph? It was the question on everyone's minds. He tried to replicate Dale Steyn's bowling action, and there began his bowling journey," said Kiran More in the third episode of Sony's recently-released docu-series on India-England matches called Architects in White.

Hardik Pandya played an important role during India's comprehensive win over the Brits during the Trent Bridge Test in 2018, wherein he picked up 5/28. In total, the all-rounder has played in 11 Tests picking up 17 wickets while also scoring 532 runs. 

Injuries often meant the player missed a lot of cricket. Still, Pandya has regained form with the bat and also was seen chipping in with the ball alongside leading Gujarat Titans to the coveted IPL trophy in their debut season. 

The player also made a comeback to the national side in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa and has been appointed to lead the Indian side in the two-match T20I series against Ireland later this month. 

India will play Ireland in Dublin on June 26 and June 28 in a two-match bilateral series, with the series proving an opportunity for several players to book their place in the team for the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.