One of the dynamic all-rounders of India, Hardik Pandya, has dropped a big hint on his possible comeback to Test cricket. An integral part of Team India’s white-ball setup for years now, Pandya recently began practicing with the red ball, sending hints that he could soon make a comeback to the longer format as well. With as many as 10 Tests scheduled in the coming Indian season, Pandya seems to be getting ready in time.
In the last couple of years, Pandya has been India’s MVP in limited-overs cricket, offering consistent match-winning performances with bat and ball. His immensely destructive batting combined with a knack for picking up important wickets makes him an automatic selection on bouncy white-ball surfaces.
In Test matches, however, his career hasn’t moved from where it was in 2018, with injury issues, especially those concerning his spine keeping him away from the more gruelling nature of the five-day game. The last Pandya donned the whites for India was in the Test series against England in September 2018.
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Although he has only played 11 Tests, he has shown his worth with bat and ball, scoring 523 runs and taking 17 wickets, with a century and a five-wicket haul that underline his promise in the longest format. One of the highlights of his performance came against South Africa when he played a very important 92-run knock in conditions that were not easy to bat on, proving his capability to make a mark on challenging overseas tours as well.
Hardik Pandya in the practice session. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JW5vkVLUZq
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 12, 2024
Hardik Pandya practicing with the Red Ball. pic.twitter.com/HmiQK5YjZi
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 12, 2024
On September 12, 2024, Pandya provided a sneak peek to the fans regarding his red-ball practice. He shared clips and images of himself bowling with the red ball on social media platforms. In fact, there he was getting ready for the upcoming Test series. His bowling looked incisive while he was able to hit consistent lines and lengths to suggest that he’s in fine form.
If Pandya finds his way into the Test fold, it will be a massive boost for the team, which will be heading into an important tour of Australia later in the year. The contribution he can make with bat and ball could prove the difference in tough conditions, bringing much-required balance with his all-round abilities.
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The recent heroics of Pandya in the 2024 T20 World Cup have sealed his reputation as a clutch player. Throughout the tournament, he was potent, picking up 11 wickets and chalking up 144 runs, including one in the final to seal it, defending 16 runs in the last over to help India lift the trophy. If his return to Test cricket does indeed happen, Pandya could very well become a major factor in India’s pursuit of dominance across the world.
