The Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is gearing up for his return to competitive cricket after a two-month break. The 30-year-old last played for India on July 30, 2024, in a T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, where India secured a win in the Super Over. Hardik missed the subsequent ODI series against Sri Lanka due to personal reasons but is expected to be part of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh in October.
The T20I series between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to take place on October 6, 9, and 12 in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad, respectively. Hardik has been sharing glimpses of his intense training sessions on social media, both in the gym and on the ground, indicating his focus on regaining match fitness. Interestingly, in some clips, he was seen practicing with the red ball, sparking speculation about his potential return to red-ball cricket.
Hardik Pandya, who made his international debut for India in January 2016, has played 11 Test matches, but his last appearance in the longest format was in 2018. Although he has not featured in Test cricket for the last six years, there are growing reports suggesting a possible return to the Test team.
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik weighed in on the possibility of Hardik Pandya making a comeback to Test cricket. Speaking on a show, Karthik expressed that while it would be great for India to have someone of Hardik’s skill set in Test matches, particularly in fast-bowling conditions like Australia, he would be surprised if Hardik returns to the format due to the physical demands.
“Wow, that would be really good. Especially someone with his skill set, so fast bowling and batting in Australia would be good, but to be very honest, I would be very surprised, because I know his body; it’s not that easy for him to play Test cricket where he is today,” Karthik stated.
Given his history of injuries and the physical toll that Test cricket takes, Hardik’s potential return to the format would present a significant challenge. However, with his all-round abilities, having him back in the Test squad would certainly boost India’s prospects, especially in overseas conditions.
As fans eagerly await Hardik’s return to the field in the Bangladesh T20Is, it remains to be seen whether the star all-rounder will once again don the whites for India in the near future.
