The last time Hardik Pandya played a Test match was 6 years back. Tormented by injuries, India’s ace all-rounder has been predominantly been a white ball format player. But now in the new Gautam Gambhir era, Hardik Pandya is all set to return to red ball cricket. Pandya is preparing for the Ranji Trophy, and as per latest reports, he can get selected for the much awaited Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Currently the India Cricket Team is taking on Bangladesh in a 2 match Test series. Following which they will take on New Zealand in a 3-match Test series. But in the grand scheme of things, Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in the Border Gavaskar Trophy can become extremely crucial.
India needs some good options in the pace department. Bumrah and Siraj are automatic fits. Mohammed Shami is expected to be fit and return in the India vs Australia Test series. And if Hardik Pandya becomes fit and performs well in the domestic setup, he can get his chance in the Playing XI.
Why Hardik Pandya is needed in Tests?
The tricky conditions in Australia will greatly favour India. The uneven pace and bounce in the pitch can work wonders for Hardik Pandya who has established himself as a tremendous pacer in India’s white ball format. But things won’t be so easy for Hardik.
The ace all-rounder last played a Test match for India back in 2018 when India toured England. Following which he was injured and owing to workload management, Hardik was preferred to be a part of India’s white ball setup. But now things have taken a sharp turn.
New head coach Gautam Gambhir wants all available options. As a result, Hardik Pandya is now preparing himself to play domestic cricket. Like others vying for their chance like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik too would be keen to perform well in Ranji Trophy to warrant his case in India’s Test format.
Hardik can not only provide a good batting option, his bowling skills makes him a valuable asset in the team. Should India opt to go for 4 pace options, then Hardik can fit the bill as a complete all-rounder, rather than India sacrificing a batter for a specilist pacer.
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