Hardik Pandya eyeing to return Test cricket: Report

The 30-year-old Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been forgotten in Test cricket. However, the all-rounder can return to red-ball cricket as per the latest reported development. 

During the 2017 Galle Test against the hosts Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya made his Test debut. In his 11 Tests, Hardik scored 532 runs (average 31.29) and took 17 wickets for the national team. The right-handed batter hit one century and four half-centuries in his Test career. The right-arm pacer also recorded one Test five-wicket haul. 

SEE ALSO: Pant strikes back with fiery 50 in Test cricket after 638 days; Fans get crazy

Hardik Pandya last played a first-class match in December 2018

Hardik last played a Test match in September 2018 during the Southampton Test against the hosts England.  

Due to recent injury and fitness issues, pace-bowling all-rounder Hardik is majorly active in white-ball cricket. Hardik played his last first-class match in December 2018 when Baroda faced Mumbai at Wankhede. 

In his 29 first-class matches, Hardik scored 1351 runs (average 30.02) and took 48 wickets. Apart from his one century and ten half-centuries, he also secured three five-wicket hauls in his first-class career.

Hardik Pandya is likely to play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy

In a recent CricTracker report, a source in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) claimed that Hardik will serve for Baroda in domestic cricket in the ongoing season. Apart from playing in List A and T20 cricket, the all-rounder is also likely to represent Baroda in the first-class competition. It means that the all-rounder is likely to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. 

Earlier, Hardik clarified why he didn’t participate for Baroda recently in first-class cricket. Pointing out his lack of fitness level and preparation for Test cricket, the all-rounder felt it wouldn’t be unethical to take up one deserving spot.

Hardik also added that he wouldn’t jump to red-ball cricket until he finds himself eligible for the format. As the all-rounder is reportedly eyeing a return to first-class cricket, it won’t be wrong to say that he is trying to make a comeback in Test cricket.

Recently, Hardik had an important role in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy success. 

India will travel to Australia in November for a five-match Test series. In mid-2025, India will also tour England for another five-match Test series. If Hardik returns to red-ball cricket, he can play a crucial role in the upcoming challenging foreign tours for Test cricket.