Earlier this month, a photo of Hardik Pandya practicing with a red ball went viral, sparking discussions about the all-rounder’s potential return to red-ball cricket. Since his back injury during IPL 2022, Hardik has limited himself to white-ball formats, focusing primarily on T20s following another injury during the 2023 World Cup.
Hardik was notably absent from India’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka in August, with reports suggesting that he would need to participate in domestic fifty-over competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to be considered for selection. This added to the surprise when the red-ball practice photo emerged, leading to speculation about a possible comeback in first-class cricket after his last appearance for Baroda in 2018.
However, according to former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, the speculation may be unfounded. Speaking on JioCinema during the rain delay on Day 2 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, Parthiv revealed that Hardik’s practice with the red ball was due to the unavailability of a white ball. He further added that Hardik’s current physical condition might not be suited for the demands of multi-day cricket, casting doubt on any immediate return to the red-ball format.
While fans may have been excited by the idea of Hardik Pandya returning to red-ball cricket, it appears unlikely for the time being. His focus remains on limited-overs cricket as he continues to manage his fitness and workload after his back injuries.
