Lack of consistency is what let me down in the past years, admits Manish Pandey

From catching the eye of the Indian cricket aficionados when he struck a century in the 2009 edition of the IPL, to being dropped from the 2019 World Cup squad, Pandey has come a long way. But after India's semi-final exit at the World Cup, the selectors are yet again on a mission to find a suitable middle-order batsman for the shorter formats. And now, Pandey finds himself in the race for the middle-order slot once again.

"The consistency in performance (lack of it) was one of the factors that let me down in the previous years. Sitting out is not an easy thing for a batsman or a bowler. I am hoping to get more chances this time around. There should be a feeling of comfort while playing at the No. 4 or No. 5 slot or wherever they want to me play. So it does help if you are a permanent member of the team and the plan (roadmap) is laid out before you," Pandey told TNN, reported TOI.

Pandey was picked in both the T20 and ODI squads for West Indies last month. He featured in all three T20s in the Caribbean but had modest returns of 19, 6 and 2 not out before making way for Shreyas Iyer in the middle-order for the ODI series.

"Everybody is looking to grab spots in the Indian team. The important thing for me is to be patient and keep performing in whatever opportunities I get," he said.

The 29-year-old will be captaining the India 'A' side in the first three one-dayers against South Africa 'A' that will start today. Until then, Pandey is currently working with Rahul Dravid, the Head of Cricket at NCA in Bengaluru, to improve his game. 

"I have looked up to Rahul bhai while growing up. Luckily, with him being from Karnataka, it gives me that much more opportunity to talk to him when I meet him at NCA. What I talk to him more is about the mind-set part of it. He has been absolutely fantastic not just for me but everyone who has worked with him," Pandey added.