Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, has been away from Test cricket for several years. Known for his explosive performances with both bat and ball, Pandya has the potential to strengthen the Indian Test squad. Recently, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has urged Hardik to return to the Test team, emphasizing that if he proves his fitness, there should be no major hurdle to his selection.
Focus on Pace All-Rounders in the Indian Team
In recent times, the Indian cricket team has been focusing on pace-bowling all-rounders. Players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, and to some extent Harshit Rana, are considered key options. The team management is actively searching for players who can contribute both with the bat and the ball, and Hardik Pandya perfectly fits this profile.
What Robin Uthappa Said
On his YouTube channel, Uthappa said,
"If Hardik Pandya returns to Test cricket at number 7, it will be fantastic for the team. Anything is possible in cricket. If Hardik shows willingness to play Tests and win the World Test Championship, I don’t think the BCCI will deny him."
Bowling Workload of Nitish Kumar Reddy
Uthappa further commented,
"I think the board wants him to prove his fitness. How many overs does an all-rounder bowl? Nitish Kumar isn’t bowling much—only around 12 overs. If Hardik can bowl 12–15 overs per innings, given his current fitness and form, he can handle the responsibility very well. Ultimately, it’s his own decision."
Hardik’s Career and Achievements
Robin Uthappa also highlighted that Hardik has already achieved several milestones in limited-overs cricket, including winning major ICC trophies like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. Uthappa believes that if Hardik wins the ICC World Test Championship, it would complete his career’s “Grand Slam,” a feat any cricketer would aspire to accomplish for their country. According to Uthappa, Hardik has already covered half the journey.
When Did Hardik Last Play a Test Match?
Hardik Pandya last played Test and first-class cricket in 2018. A back injury that year led him to step away from red-ball cricket and focus entirely on the white-ball formats. Continuous bowling in Tests had taken a toll on his body. This decision turned out to be wise, as despite injuries, he remained a crucial player in India’s limited-overs teams.
Conclusion:
With his all-round capabilities and proven experience, Hardik Pandya’s return to the Test squad could provide India with a significant boost in the number 7 position. If he regains full fitness, his inclusion might not just strengthen the team’s bowling depth but also add firepower to the batting lineup.
