When India play their first game of the three-match ODI series at the Harare Sports Club against hosts Zimbabwe on Saturday, a flood of memories will grip Manish Pandey, India’s exciting batsman. It was at this ground that the stylish Karnataka batsman made his international debut. Playing the final match of the three-match ODI series last year, Manish, batting at No. 5, struck 71 and shared a 144-run stand with centurion Kedar Jadhav as India blanked Zimbabwe 3-0. Though he missed out a century, his was still the second best score by an India debutant in an away ODI. The triple-figure was achieved three games later as his brilliant maiden ton (104 not out) in the Sydney ODI helped India chase down a daunting 332 with two balls to spare against hosts Australia. Though he has played just four ODIs, his knocks against Zimbabwe while batting first and against Australia in a thrilling chase have given an indication of his rich talent and the ability to bat under pressure. “This is again going to be a fresh start. We were there last year around the same time and I made my debut in Zimbabwe. It is good to go back there and share those memories, score some runs for India and do my duty,” he told BCCI.TV Talking about those defining knocks in his short international career so far, he said “It was a crucial innings (against Zimbabwe) for me and the team. I got the opportunity and I did justice to that. It was a good start and the right booster for me. Some time has passed since that game in Australia (January), but the memories and images of that game will stay with me. It is always good to have some confidence behind you.” The fierce competition in the Indian team has meant that Manish, despite his batting prowess, is not yet a regular member of the playing XI. He missed out on the World T20 squad but played the semi-final against West Indies when Yuvraj Singh was ruled out after the virtual quarterfinal against Australia. The 26-year-old now wants to make sure he is not in the dugout anymore but is a regular member of the playing XI. “My goal is to keep performing and make sure that I fit into that Indian XI and become a permanent member of the squad. My goal for the next couple of years is to be a part of the Indian team and to win games for India. I am working hard towards that and I want to achieve that.” While a strong show in Zimbabwe will get him close to this goal, what adds to his USP is his excellent fielding. The first Indian to hit a century in IPL is also remembered for his stunning catch in the Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai even after six years. The sprightly lad took another spectacular catch to dismiss Glenn Maxwell in the fourth ODI in the bilateral series as a substitute. “I spend as much time on fielding as I spend on my batting. Fielding is a very important part of the game. Some great catches and run-outs definitely change the momentum of the game. I make sure I give enough time to my fielding which helps in my resume as I am a (specialist) batsman.” The Indian touring party for Zimbabwe comprises five uncapped players. The squad is largely young with the exception of seasoned captain MS Dhoni. While Manish is looking to establish himself, he is aware of the fact that having played international cricket, he needs to help the debutants in the team. “All of us have either played in the same team in domestic cricket or against each other. It is a good mix of boys that we have. I am young and have just started my international career. This is an opportunity for me to prove myself again and also take care of the youngsters and help them.”