Ex-India Wicketkeeper Discusses Hardik Pandya’s Potential Return to Test Cricket
Ex-India Wicketkeeper Discusses hardik Pandya’s Potential Return to Test Cricket
Hardik Pandya, the star indian all-rounder, is gearing up for a return to competitive cricket after a two-month hiatus. The 30-year-old last played for india on July 30, 2024, in a T20I against sri lanka, which india won in a Super Over. Although he missed the ODI portion of the tour for personal reasons, he is expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled for october 6, 9, and 12 in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
Recently, hardik has shared various training clips on social media, showcasing his workouts and practice sessions, including some with a red ball. This has sparked speculation about a potential return to red-ball cricket. Having made his international debut in january 2016, hardik has played just 11 Test matches, with his last appearance in the longest format dating back to 2018. Reports suggest he could be considering a comeback to Test cricket.
Former indian wicketkeeper-batter dinesh karthik reacted to the possibility of hardik returning to Test cricket, expressing that it would be beneficial if he could, but he would be surprised given Hardik’s physical challenges. “That would be really good, especially with his skill set, particularly in fast bowling and batting in Australia. But to be honest, I would be surprised because I know his body; playing Test cricket isn't easy for him at this stage,” karthik said during an episode of Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK.
Hardik made his Test debut against sri lanka on July 26, 2017, and has scored 532 runs with one century and four fifties over 11 matches. With the ball, he has taken 17 wickets in 19 innings, with his best performance being five wickets for 28 runs against england in Nottingham in august 2018.