When Manish Pandey scores a century, he makes sure he leaves a lasting impression. The stylish Karnataka batsman, who became the first Indian to get to triple figures in the IPL proved his batting prowess in Australia when he brought up a century in a tense yet thrilling chase at Sydney earlier this year. Away from the spotlight, he made two more when he successfully led India A in the Quadrangular one-day series again in Australia in August. His first ton against South Africa A put the team back on track after being shot out for just 55 in their opening game. His second ton yet again while batting second almost helped the team overhaul the 323-run target before slipping in the end to lose by one run. Barring the home series against South Africa last year, Manish has featured in three of India’s last four ODI series. Now, as India kickoff their ODI campaign against New Zealand after a 3-0 win in the Test series, Manish has an opportunity to seal a regular berth in India’s middle-order. Having played all his seven ODIs outside, the five-match series will provide him an opportunity to play the 50-over format at home. With Suresh Raina missing out on the first ODI due to viral fever, Manish will have an extra responsibility in the middle-order. “I am looking forward to the tournament. I just want to get the form in again and continue in the same way as I batted in Australia,” he told BCCI.TV Sharing his views on the stiff competition, the 27-year-old said his job will remain the same. “In Australia, I batted well and everybody saw that. I just need to continue batting well. India is a team where there is a lot of competition, but it’s important to keep persisting with it. I want to keep scoring runs. That is why I am here and I want to continue doing that.” Not afraid to attack the bowlers, Manish said during his interactions with India A Coach Rahul Dravid, he was encouraged to express himself. “I like situations where there is pressure. Coming up for the team and taking responsibility is what I would love to do. “Rahul bhai wants me to play the game the way I do. He knows I like to play my shots and it is something that I always wanted to do. He has always been supportive. It is a great honour to be with a legend of that caliber.” In the two nets sessions in Dharamsala, Manish was involved in lengthy discussions with Head Coach Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli. “I have had similar discussions with Anil bhai. He told me to spend time at the wicket as only then you can score more runs. I would love to build partnerships again and help the team.” The Indian team too is looking to be aggressive from the start and build momentum early on in the series as Ajinkya Rahane had mentioned. Manish revealed that India have made plans to continue with their aggressive intent. “It is always good to have more runs for the bowlers to defend. This is what we have planned – to play good and aggressive cricket. We will continue to play in the same manner."