The Indian contingent have proven that they can take setbacks in their stride to gain ultimate glory. However, their remains a frontier in Indian cricket that is yet to be conquered: the World Test Championship trophy. India have reached the final twice, but has fallen short. Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya was missing from the squad on both occasions. Can his inclusion spark India to the ultimate glory?
Hardik Pandya-less India fell short twice
Since the tournament’s start, Team India has advanced to the WTC final twice. However, they have fallen short both times, against Australia and New Zealand. An additional chance for India to establish their dominance and pursue their first WTC title is presented by the forthcoming five-match Test series in Australia later this year.
Pandya’s short Test career ft. injuries
Pandya has a 31.29 batting average and a 31.05 bowling average in Test cricket. However, he hasn’t played in the format since 2018. He has amassed 532 runs in 18 innings, with four half-centuries and a century, in addition to claiming 17 wickets with one fifer. Although Pandya has been a mainstay in the Indian team, the allrounder has only played in 11 Tests till now.
Pandya final piece in India’s WTC puzzle: Gavaskar
According to Sunil Gavaskar, if Pandya can be convinced to play Test cricket, the Indian team would become invincible.
“Yes, absolutely, they can. I think in the next two months, there should be an attempt to convince Hardik Pandya to play Test cricket. If he bowls ten overs a day to go with his batting, this Indian team could become invincible, and they can surely go on and win the WTC and beat Australia in Australia,” Gavaskar stated in an interview with Rev Sports.
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Can Hardik Pandya inspire India to WTC glory?
Pandya has been instrumental behind India’s recent T20 World Cup, however, Test cricket is a different ball game altogether. The format requires immense concentration, focus and fitness. Pandya has struggled with fitness in recent years. It has been a major hindrance in his Test career.
With WTC final set to be played almost a year from now on, Pandya will have plenty of time to regain his fitness and feature in India’s team. However, if Pandya’s inclusion will help India attain glory is a different debate.
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