Test Cricket: Test Cricket is the pinnacle of the gentlemen’s game. The other two formats, ODIs and T20Is, are challenging. But Test Cricket demands more from the players.
The all-rounders are also an integral part of the red ball format just like they are in the One Day International format and T20 International matches.
A player like Hardik Pandya holds the most importance in India Cricket right now. Hardik is the main player for Team India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and even in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, which will be played in India.
After his success in the Indian Premier League for Gujarat Titans (GT), Pandya has been made the skipper of India’s T20I side after the team under Rohit Sharma failed to win the crown in Australia last year.
Playing the traditional format like Test Cricket is the goal for many players. But some of them are just happy playing the shortest format and the franchise-based tournaments like the IPL.
Even the greatest batter of this generation and the India Cricket Team, Virat Kohli loves playing the red ball format.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness is a concern which is why he has been ignored by the selectors and the team management. But India needs a player like him who can contribute in all three dimensions of the game.
Including Pandya in the Test side would give the team a batting depth and also give an extra bowling option, which is needed, especially in overseas conditions.
According to the reports, the Indian board BCCI will name Hardik Pandya in the two red ball games against The West Indies. India will tour the Caribbean for a full-fleshed series.
India will play a two-match series in the red ball format along with limited-over games. It seems that Pandya will return to India’s Test squad.
Hardik made his debut in Test cricket in 2017 against Sri Lanka and his last game in the test format was against England in 2018. If the selectors name Pandya in that Test squad to West Indies, then Hardik will make a Test return after five long years.
After his success in the limited overs format, the fast bowling all-rounder will also be keen to repeat his magic in the Test format as well.
But his fitness will be tested if he plays those two red ball games considering his ongoing back issues that have hindered his involvement in such matches.
That’s why Pandya hasn’t played a single Test match since 2018. Hardik had back surgery in 2019, and after that, he decided to concentrate only on the IPL games, T20Is and ODI matches.