Hardik Pandya Test Return: WTC Final: India all-rounder and T20 captain Hardik Pandya is still unsure of his Test return. After a nagging back injury, Hardik had almost forgone the longest format. But now that he is fit, BCCI wants clarity from him on whether he sees a future in Test cricket. It is likely that the Shiv Sundar Das-led selection committee and the BCCI will discuss his Test future with Hardik before deciding on the WTC Final. India are favourite to take the 2nd spot in WTC Final after Australia. Follow India vs Australia LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Why India have had a settled Test squad, with Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant both out on long-term injury, some in the BCCI feel he can add value to the Test team. Shardul Thakur has played the role of seam all-rounder to some extent in Hardik’s absence from red-ball cricket.
“There is no hurry for him to return to Test but yes, it would be better to have some clarity. We will discuss this sometime before WTC Final. He could play an important role in England considering Bumrah is out for a while. But there is absolutely no pressure on him to return to Test cricket immediately,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
Hardik Pandya Test Return: BCCI & Selectors likely to DISCUSS Test future with Hardik Pandya before WTC Final, T20 captain still UNSURE, Follow LIVE Updates
The T20 captain had considered Tets retirement at a stage following his back injury. But since his return, Hardik has been fitter than ever and has been in great form with both bat and the ball. With Jasprit Bumrah recovering from surgery, it will take him nearly 7-8 months to be completely fit.
Hardik could fill in and add value to the squad like Camron Green or Ben Stoke does to Australia and England. However, BCCI is reluctant considering his history of injuries.
“At the moment, he is not available for selection in Tests. You definitely have to take into consideration his past history of injuries. Rushing him to play all three formats could be detrimental. But if the NCA, Medical Team and Hardik himself feel he is ready for Test return, he will be in fray for sure,” the official told InsideSport.
Hardik Pandya Test Return: Could Hardik return for WTC Final?
- Hardik Pandya last played a Test match on England tour in 2018.
- Since then, Hardik has not played any Test due to back injuries.
- However, now that he is fit, BCCI believes he could make a comeback to the longest format.
- The situation is especially dire with Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah out on long-term injury.
- BCCI is likely to hold talks with Hardik on a possible Test return.
- If he gets the green signal from the NCA, he could return for WTC Final.
- However, at this point, it’s still a far-fetched idea as Hardik will have a tremendous workload during IPL 2023.
Hardik Pandya Test Return: BCCI & Selectors likely to DISCUSS Test future with Hardik Pandya before WTC Final, T20 captain still UNSURE, Follow LIVE Updates
As for himself, Hardik has not ruled out a return in Test. But he has kept it vague. He said he would return when the time is right.
“I will come back when I feel it’s the right time to play Test-match cricket. Right now, I’m going to focus on white-ball cricket, which is important, and if the time is right and my body is fine, I’ll give the long format a try,” he added.
Meanwhile, former cricket greats have called out BCCI on Hardik’s absence from Test cricket. Recently, Ian Chappell questioned his absence.
“I don’t understand why Hardik Pandya isn’t in the Indian team? People keep telling me he can’t bowl so much. Again, you are listening to the medical people or have a chat with the cricket people. If Pandya wants to play, he should be on that side. He is a damn good batsman, he bowls pretty decently, he is a damn good fielder. To get the right balance, Australia needed Cameron Green in India and I think India needs Hardik Pandya,” Chappell told ESPNCricinfo.
Hardik Pandya Test Return: BCCI & Selectors likely to DISCUSS Test future with Hardik Pandya before WTC Final, T20 captain still UNSURE, Follow LIVE Updates
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