Reports: Hardik Pandya to feature in Ranji Trophy with eye on Test team return

Hardik Pandya to feature in Ranji Trophy eyeing a spot in Test team (Twitter)

Hardik Pandya had turned his head away from Test cricket and focused solely on white-ball cricket. He played his last Test for India in September 2018 and since then he has only featured in the other two formats. The reason for abstaining from playing the longer format stemmed from the focus on the all-rounder’s workload management as he was being prone to injuries.

As per reports from Sports Tak, the 30-year-old is eyeing a comeback to Test cricket and the preparation for the same will commence with him participating in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Pandya will be seen playing for his home state Baroda, not only in whites but also in the white-ball games on the domestic circuit revealed a source in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).

Also Read: ‘Why didn’t Pandya Bros play for Baroda?’ – Questions being raised on Hardik, Krunal’s non-participation in Dr Thimmappiah Trophy

I haven’t done 10 per cent to reach there: Pandya 

It has been more than six years since Pandya has represented India in whites. He has just played 11 Tests so far having debuted in the format in July 2017. He was named as the vice-captain of the side ahead of World Cup 2023. When the question of his potential comeback in Tests arose, Pandya stated a lack of preparation to take up the job and termed himself as undeserving.

Also Read: Hardik spotted bowling with red ball as Test season approaches

“I haven’t done 10 per cent to reach there. I am not even a part of one per cent. So, me coming there and taking someone’s place will ethically not go well.  If I want to play Test cricket, I’ll go through the grind and earn my spot. Hence, for that reason I will not be available for the WTC final or future Test series until I don’t feel that I have earned my spot,” Pandya had said.