Hardik Pandya’s Return to Red-Ball Cricket: A New Chapter?
In a recent Instagram story, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya piqued the interest of cricket enthusiasts by showcasing his bowling prowess with a red ball during a training session in England. The 30-year-old’s video has ignited discussions across social media, especially given his long hiatus from Test cricket.
A Long Absence from the Test Arena
Pandya has faced numerous injury challenges over the years, with his last appearance in a Test match occurring back in September 2018. Following that match, he underwent lower back surgery in 2019, which further delayed his return to the format. Despite being invited to join the squad for the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, he opted out of this opportunity. He expressed concerns about stepping into a role typically held by regular red-ball players.
His last first-class game was also in December 2018, marking an extended period away from traditional longer formats of cricket. Nevertheless, Pandya remains India’s leading pace-bowling all-rounder; however, competitors like Shivam Dube and Nitish Reddy have yet to reach his level of performance and flair.
Uncertain Future in Red-Ball Cricket
Despite being recognized as one of India’s top talents in this role, there has been no official communication from Pandya regarding his future involvement in red-ball cricket with team management. Recent videos shared on social media indicate that he is ramping up his training regimen ahead of an upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh scheduled for October. However, since participating in the World Cup final last June, he has only played two competitive matches—both T20s against Sri Lanka.
A senior source within BCCI raised questions about whether Pandya had discussed his intentions with key figures such as chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir: “It’s encouraging to see Hardik bowling with a red ball; however, has he really communicated with those who matter?”
The Road Ahead: Domestic Cricket Participation?
It is crucial for Pandya to engage actively in domestic red-ball competitions if he wishes to be considered for selection into Test matches again. His absence from these formats raises concerns about how quickly he could reintegrate into international play despite potentially providing valuable balance as both a fourth pacer and No. 7 batsman during tours like Australia’s.
Having missed out on participating in the Duleep Trophy due to workload management considerations earlier this year adds another layer of uncertainty regarding when or if he’ll return to playing first-class cricket for Baroda or any other domestic side.
As fans eagerly await updates on Hardik Pandya’s status and potential comeback into Test cricket after such an extended break from it—his journey will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both supporters and selectors alike.
