Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is reportedly eyeing a return to the red-ball game, making himself available for Baroda’s first-class matches as India begin their preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be held in Australia later this year.
This potential comeback marks a significant moment in Pandya’s career, as he has not played Test cricket since 2018 due to injuries and fitness issues. Let’s delve into the details of this exciting development and what it means for Indian cricket.
Hardik Pandya made his Test debut for India in 2017 and quickly established himself as a valuable all-rounder. In his 11 Test matches between 2017 and 2018, Pandya averaged 31 with both bat and ball, showcasing his versatility and skill. He took 17 wickets, including a memorable five-wicket haul against England in Nottingham. However, recurring stress injuries, particularly in his back, forced him to prioritize shorter formats, sidelining him from the longer format of the game.
Pandya’s journey back to Test cricket has been a challenging one. His injuries required extensive rehabilitation, and he had to focus on regaining his fitness. Over the past few years, Pandya has been a key player in India’s limited-overs setup, serving as the captain of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and contributing significantly to India’s T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies in June 2024.
His recent return to bowling longer spells in white-ball games is a positive sign for his potential Test comeback.
According to reports, Baroda is preparing to reintroduce Pandya to red-ball cricket after a long hiatus. This move is seen as a strategic decision to bolster their squad and provide Pandya with the opportunity to prove his fitness and form in the longer format. Baroda’s first-class matches will serve as a crucial platform for Pandya to showcase his skills and make a strong case for his inclusion in the Indian Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India’s search for a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder has been ongoing, with Shardul Thakur being the go-to option in recent years. A fit and in-form Hardik Pandya could be the answer to India’s all-rounder conundrum, especially in overseas conditions where a pace-bowling all-rounder can make a significant impact. Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the team and provides the captain with more options.
Pandya’s recent performances in white-ball cricket have been impressive. In the 2024 World Cup, he took 11 wickets in 8 matches, including a crucial last-over defense in the final against South Africa, where he dismissed David Miller to secure a famous victory for India.
Pandya’s recent performances in white-ball cricket have been impressive. In the 2024 World Cup, he took 11 wickets in 8 matches, including a crucial last-over defense in the final against South Africa, where he dismissed David Miller to secure a famous victory for India.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is one of the most anticipated Test series in world cricket. India’s preparations for this series will be crucial, and having a fit and in-form Hardik Pandya in the squad could provide the team with a significant boost. His experience and ability to perform in challenging conditions will be invaluable as India aims to retain the prestigious trophy.
Give Your Feedback