Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to make his red-ball cricket comeback with Baroda in the Ranji Trophy, potentially marking his Test return ahead of the series against New Zealand and the BGT.
Hardik Pandya’s Test return is becoming a strong possibility, with reports indicating his red-ball cricket comeback for Baroda in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. After stepping away from first-class cricket following surgery for a long-term back injury, Pandya has focused on limited-overs formats to stay in shape.
However, recent social media posts suggest Pandya may again be preparing for red-ball cricket. He has been seen training with the red ball, sparking speculation about his return to Test cricket. According to sources in the Baroda Cricket Association, there is a chance Pandya could feature for Baroda in the domestic circuit. This is potentially keeping in mind the Test series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year.
“It’s heartening to know that Hardik is bowling with red ball but has he really spoken to men who matter (chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma) about his intentions?” a senior BCCI source was quoted as saying by the PTI.
Battle tested ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/MXai6RTcxh
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) September 18, 2024
Pandya last played a Test for India in 2018. In his 11 Test appearances, he has scored 532 runs at an average of 31.29 and took 17 wickets. With Gautam Gambhir now coaching the Indian team, Hardik Pandya’s Test return as an all-rounder seems possible. However, with established players like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in strong form, it remains uncertain if India will make significant changes to the squad that reached the World Test Championship finals twice.
Ravi Shastri on Hardik Pandya’s Test Return
Meanwhile, Former coach Ravi Shastri expressed caution, advising both Pandya and India to carefully consider the decision. Shastri emphasized the importance of Pandya being fully prepared for the demands of Test cricket, as rushing him back could lead to injury and affect his white-ball career.
“Depends on how his mindset is. That would be ideal from India’s point of view. I think he is someone who knows his body better than anyone. If he feels he is strong enough to take the load, then why not? Don’t want it to be a case where he comes in too early, plays and gets injured and then you miss him for the white-ball as well. Got to see where he is most suited, in which format of the game. And stick to that,” Shastri said while doing commentary on Day 2 of the 1st Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai.
Pandya has previously focused on limited-overs formats due to his back issues, but with his potential red-ball return on the horizon, both India and Pandya need to weigh the risks. Ultimately, the decision for Hardik Pandya’s Test return will depend on his readiness and ability to handle the physical demands of the format.
Last Updated on September 21, 2024
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