Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has played down the prospect of Hardik Pandya returning to the Indian team in red-ball cricket. This comes after Pandya recently posted a video on social media of him practicing his bowling. This has raised many questions as to whether a comeback to the Test squad for the first time since 2018 is on the cards. However, Shastri is doubtful regarding a potential return for Pandya.
“If he feels he is strong enough to take the load, then why not? Don’t want it to be a case where he comes in too early, plays and gets injured and then you miss him for the white-ball as well,” said Shastri while commentating during the India-Bangladesh Test.
Shastri also believes that it depends a lot on how Pandya approaches the situation.
“Depends on how his mindset is. That would be ideal from India’s point of view. I think he is someone who knows his body better than anyone,” said Shastri.
He also said that if Pandya continues to have issues with his fitness, then focusing on particular formats might be more important for him.
“Got to see where he is most suited, in which format of the game. And stick to that,” Shastri said.
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