Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder, has been making waves in the cricketing world with his recent training sessions, particularly his focus on red-ball cricket. The 30-year-old, who last played Test cricket for India in 2018, has been grinding it out on the training ground, fueling speculations about a possible return to the longest format of the game.
Reunion with Gujarat Titans Assistant Coach
During his recent visit to London, Pandya reunited with Naeem Amin, the assistant coach of his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Gujarat Titans. The duo engaged in extensive training sessions at the Mighty Willow Cricket Academy, with Amin sharing glimpses of their work on Instagram.
In his caption, Amin expressed his excitement about the experience, stating, “What a fantastic experience working with Hardik Pandya over the last few weeks. We worked on several things, and I’m excited to see his progress in the future.” He further emphasized the valuable insights gained from collaborating with a player of Pandya’s caliber.
Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Compares Indian Pace Unit to Legendary Pakistan Pace Trio
Watch Hardik’s Training Here:
Pandya’s Test Career and Speculations
In his 11 Test appearances for India, Pandya has amassed 532 runs at an average of 31.29, while also contributing 17 wickets with the red ball. Despite his impressive performances, injuries have limited his participation in the longest format of the game, with his last Test outing coming in 2018.
However, Pandya’s recent training sessions have sparked renewed interest in his potential return to Test cricket. There were even speculations about him being a surprise inclusion in India’s squad for the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, but Pandya himself dismissed the idea, stating that he did not want to take the place of a regular Test player.
Ravi Shastri’s Advice
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has cautioned Pandya and the Indian team management about rushing into a Test comeback. Shastri emphasized the importance of Pandya being fully fit and ready to handle the rigors of Test cricket, stating, “If he feels he is strong enough to take the load, then why not? But we don’t want it to be a case where he comes in too early and gets injured and then you miss him for the white-ball as well.”
However, the decision to bring Pandya back into the Test fold will require careful consideration from the team management and selectors. They will need to assess his fitness, form, and the impact his inclusion could have on the team’s overall balance.
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