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The prospect of ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya making a Test comeback has sparked excitement, especially as the Indian team gears up for a focused red-ball campaign ahead of the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pandya, who played his last Test against England in Southampton more than six years ago, has had a mixed Test career with 11 matches under his belt. Known for his dynamic all-round abilities in white-ball cricket, his return to the Test arena could provide India with a much-needed balance in the lower middle order, as well as an additional pace-bowling option.
India’s decision to prioritise red-ball cricket before the Australia series could indicate that the team management is considering reinforcing its squad with versatile players like Pandya, whose aggressive style of play can shift momentum in tough situations. His potential comeback could be a game-changer, as India will need both batting depth and bowling options to challenge Australia on their home turf.
However, Pandya’s long-standing back issues had kept him out of Test cricket, and his workload management will be crucial if he is indeed making a return. His form in white-ball cricket and leadership of the T20 side have demonstrated his fitness and tactical acumen, which could further make his return to Tests a timely addition.
With a tacit understanding from BCCI to play in the Ranji Trophy, Hardik could very easily prove his worth with the red ball and could surely come into the reckoning in the Indian team but in whose place is a question. For example if Hardik really does well, won’t his team be interested to call him back again?
Forget what former Indian coach Ravi Shastri said about Hardik’s fitness in Test cricket, he could still be the X factor for India in red ball cricket through his all-round abilities in SENA countries? How can anyone waste a super talent like him and not make him play when he is fit and raring to go. Who would forget the way people started comparing Hardik with legendary Kapil Dev? The good news is that Hardik is ready to go through the grind as some of the greats of the game did to make India proud like he did in white ball cricket!
