Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Wednesday disclosed that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya turned down the chance to play in the World Test Championship Final against Australia saying that in India’s attempt to reach the WTC final, he did not provide even “10%” to the squad.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain observed India’s worry over their starting lineup on the opening day of the WTC final, in contrast to Australia. Hussain believes that India needs a seam-bowling all-rounder like Pandya for international play, whereas Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are most suited for local action.
“Where is Hardik Pandya? At the toss this morning, it was so apparent that India were not sure about their side and Australia were crystal clear and Cameron Green has a lot to do with that. He just balances the side away from home in England. He is the sort of cricketer that India would have loved to have. Of course, Shardul Thakur is a seam-bowling all-rounder of kinds. In India, you’ve got Jadeja, Ashwin and Axar Patel. They are complete all-rounders in Indian conditions but what about a seam-bowling all-rounder when you go overseas? Where is Hardik Pandya?” Hussain asked in the commentary during the final session’s play on Wednesday.
In response, Ponting stated that Hardik had turned down, stating that he believed it would be unfair to the other Indian players who had taken part in the WTC cycle and assisted the team in reaching the final.
“That’s the one line that was mentioned in commentary earlier today. He made it clear that he feels his body won’t get through the rigours of Test cricket. He was thrown up in a game like this. What do you think about playing in a game like this, just a one-off Test, just to help the balance of the side? And his reply apparently was that he didn’t feel it was fair on everyone else who have been through this journey in the last couple of years leading into this game,” Ponting said.
“No. I am a very ethically strong person. I haven’t done 10 per cent to reach there. I am not even a part of one percent. So me coming there and taking someone’s place will ethically not go well,” Pandya said according to Ponting.
“If I want to play Test cricket, I’ll go through the grind and earn my spot. Hence, for that reason I will not be available for the WTC final or future Test series until I don’t feel that I have earned my spot,” he had said.
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