Hardik Pandya’s return to Test cricket could be a reality now. As per the RevSportz report, it has been learnt that the all-rounder may once again don the white jersey for the Indian national cricket team but for a short period especially with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 just around the corner.
The report claimed that Hardik Pandya’s return to Test cricket will depend on his fitness. And by fitness, it is suggested how the all-rounder’s body reacts when playing match simulation. This means that he could be close to playing the longest format of the game.
Talks related to Hardik Pandya’s return to Tests surfaced after the all-rounder was recently spotted practising with the red ball.
Don’t be surprised if you see Hardik Pandya returning to Test cricket, even if it’s for a short period. It will all depend on how his body reacts when playing simulated matches etc. Don’t rule it out.
-Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) September 19, 2024
Talks related to Hardik Pandya’s return to Tests surfaced after the all-rounder was recently spotted practising with the red ball. Since the last few weeks, the top-order all-rounder has been working with the red ball and has given rise to a lot of speculations regarding his return to Tests.
The fact that Hardik Pandya has been practising with the red ball for the past few weeks could also be an indication that the team management has communicated to him to prepare for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India is set to tour Australia for the five-match Test series later this year.
India have been lacking a versatile fast bowler in recent years, which has certainly affected their combination. They have used Shardul Thakur in that role and he has done a decent job, but it is fair to say that Hardik Pandya’s quality is unmatched.
Pandya has been away from Test cricket since 2018. He last played for the Indian team in the longest format of the game during the Test series against the England National Cricket Team. In his short career so far, he has done some incredible things for the team.
Pandya last played 11 Test matches for India where he amassed 523 runs and took 17 wickets, which include a Test century and the fifer. He has made vital plays for his team in overseas conditions, including a crucial 92-run knock against the South African National Cricket Team in tough conditions.
He also has a decent first-class career, as in 29 games he has scored 1,351 runs at an average of 31.02 with one century and 10 fifties. His best score is 108 and he has also taken 48 wickets, with best figures of 5/28.
There is every chance that if Hardik Pandya ticks all the boxes in terms of fitness, he will be included in the squad for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If he does make it into the squad, it will be a completely different team and they will have a great chance of winning a third consecutive Test series in Australia.
Pandya has proven his worth on the big stage and has thrived under pressure. We have our fingers crossed that he will return to the competition. Indian fans will be hoping that he will play in the Australia series and help the team win.
