If Hardik Pandya wants Test return, I think it’s good news for Indian cricket- Hanuma Vihari (Source – Twitter/X)
Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was reported to be training with the red ball, with the hope of making a potential return to Test cricket. He is also expected to play some matches in the upcoming Ranji Trophy but it depends on his body and workload management as the Indian team management prefers not to risk him being injured again. His progress will be monitored and if deemed fit, Pandya can make his comeback in Test cricket for the series against Australia.
The Rohit Sharma-led side backed on Shardul Thakur in his absence, but the all-rounder hasn’t done much with the ball. He has played some important innings with the bat for India, especially away from home but with the ball, the 32-year-old proved expensive. Hardik, on the other hand, is a more composed all-rounder, having played 11 Tests previously, scoring 532 runs and picking up 17 wickets.
Veteran batter Hanuma Vihari believes that if Hardik wants to come back to Test cricket, it is a good sign for Indian cricket. He noted that the surface in Perth heavily supports the pacers and the Day-Night Test against Australia will also see seamers taking the centre stage. Hence, having someone of Hardik’s quality will boost Team India’s chances.
“Hardik, I don’t know, whether he is really keen to come back to the Test format. But, if he wants, I think it’s good news for Indian cricket because an all-rounder like him can really be a boost to the Indian side, especially when we are playing in Perth or the pink-ball Test. You need that extra fast-bowling option, where you can take that advantage,” Hanuma Vihari told India Today.
Hardik Pandya has to play Ranji Trophy games to get bowling load back: Vihari
Besides, Hanuma Vihari also pointed out that Pandya will have to prove his match fitness and mettle by playing some games in the coveted domestic competition, Ranji Trophy. This essentially would mean that the allrounder will be able to assess his bowling workload. Lastly, he also mentioned that the endurance level needed for playing Test cricket was totally different from other formats.
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“I think Hardik Pandya, it totally depends on him, if he wants to make a Test comeback or not. If he wants to do that, he has to play a couple of Ranji Trophy games to get that bowling load back. Because, playing Test cricket compared to ODIs or T20Is, the bowling load and endurance that you need for Test match game is completely different from the other two formats,” he concluded.