Demands for Hardik Pandya’s return to Test cricket; Will the BCCI agree if the all-rounder agrees?

Hardik Pandya was once an important part of India’s Test team. His presence kept the balance of the team. However, injuries forced Pandya out of this format and he gradually withdrew from it. Pandya himself decided not to play Tests. Now, his return to Test cricket is being sought. India’s recent Test performance has been quite disappointing. Since Pandya’s departure, the team has lacked a fast bowling all-rounder.

BCCI has given opportunities to Nitish Kumar Reddy, but he has not been that effective. Nitish wants to play overs, but the team management doesn’t see him bowling well. He bowls very little. Pandya last played a Test match for India in 2018. He then had to drop out due to a back injury. Pandya has played 11 Test matches for India, scoring 532 runs. He has also scored a century and four fifties. Former India batsman Robin Uthappa feels that Pandya should play Test cricket. “If Pandya wants to play Test cricket, will the BCCI stop him from playing?” he asked.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa said, “It would be great if Hardik Pandya returns to No.7 in Tests. The way he is playing, anything can happen, this is cricket. Never say no. If Pandya decides to play Tests, will BCCI reject him? If he wants to play and win the Test Championship, I don’t think they will reject him. I think they will ask Pandya to prove his fitness.”

Uthappa said that “Nitish Kumar doesn’t bowl much. He bowls 12 overs. If Pandya bowls 12-15 overs every innings, I think he can do it with his current fitness level,” he said.

Who wouldn’t want a cricketer?

Uthappa said that no cricketer wants to win as many ICC trophies as possible. He said that Pandya has won Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup. He would also like to win the Test Championship. He further said, “He has won many ICC trophies this time. He has won the Asia Cup, the T20 World Cup. He would love to win the ICC Test Championship. After that, the entire Grand Slam. What cricketer wouldn’t want that?”