Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder of the Indian cricket team, has been on a cricket break for the past two months. As anticipation builds for his participation in the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh, his recent practice sessions have sparked speculation about his potential return to Test cricket. A series of videos showcasing Hardik’s training regimen, particularly his utilization of the red ball, has led to discussions about whether he might be planning a comeback to the longest format of the game after a six-year hiatus.
Hardik’s Red Ball Practice
After playing a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup, Hardik last featured for the national team in a T20 series against Sri Lanka in August. Since then, he has been diligently practicing at a facility in Vadodara, focusing on maintaining his fitness. What caught the attention of fans and analysts alike was his choice to practice with the red ball—a significant shift from the white-ball formats he typically engages in. Hardik has been spotted both bowling and batting with the red ball in multiple practice sessions, raising eyebrows and igniting a wave of curiosity about his future cricket plans.
Speculations About Test Cricket Return
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Hardik is preparing for a return to Test cricket, specifically if he intends to make a statement in the Ranji Trophy to reclaim his place on the national Test team. Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel weighed in on the matter during a discussion on Geo Cinema. He confirmed that Hardik is not planning a return to first-class cricket at this time. According to Parthiv, the reason for Hardik’s use of the red ball was practical; he simply didn’t have access to limited-overs white balls during his practice sessions.
Long Format Absence
Parthiv Patel, who has played alongside Hardik during their time with the Mumbai Indians, expressed his belief that Hardik’s physical readiness does not align well with the demands of four-day or five-day formats. Hardik last donned the Test whites in 2018, following which he suffered an injury during England’s tour, preventing his return to the Test arena. His last first-class appearance was also in December 2018. Throughout his Test career, Hardik averaged 31 over 11 matches, scoring 532 runs, which included one century and four half-centuries. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 17 wickets during his Test career.
