In a surprising turn of events, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has sparked widespread speculation about a potential return to Test cricket. The buzz began when Pandya shared a video on social media, showcasing his intense practice session with a red ball. The video, captioned “Battle Tested,” has left fans and cricket pundits alike wondering if the star cricketer is gearing up for a Test comeback.
Source : zee
On September 18, 2024, Hardik Pandya took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a video of himself practicing both batting and bowling with a red ball. The video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and comments within hours. In the video, Pandya can be seen executing a series of powerful shots and delivering precise, fast-paced deliveries, reminiscent of his early days in Test cricket.
Source:- bbc new
Hardik Pandya last played a Test match for India in 2018 against England. Over his Test career, he has played 11 matches, scoring 532 runs at an average of 31.29, including one century and four fifties. His highest score in Test cricket is 108. On the bowling front, Pandya has taken 17 wickets at an average of 31.05, with his best bowling figures being 5/28.
Pandya’s Test career was put on hold due to a combination of fitness issues and workload management. His focus shifted primarily to limited-overs cricket, where he has continued to excel. However, his recent social media activity suggests that he might be ready to don the whites once again.
The timing of Pandya’s red-ball practice is particularly noteworthy. Team India is currently engaged in a Test series against Bangladesh, and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is just around the corner. Pandya’s practice sessions have led to speculation that he could be eyeing a spot in the Test squad for these crucial series.
The cricketing community has been abuzz with reactions to Pandya’s potential Test comeback. Former cricketers and analysts have weighed in on the possibility, with many expressing excitement at the prospect of seeing Pandya back in the Test arena. Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “Hardik Pandya’s return to Test cricket would be a huge boost for India. His all-round abilities can add great balance to the team”.
Pandya’s recent performances in limited-overs cricket have been nothing short of spectacular. He played a pivotal role in India’s second ICC T20 World Cup title win, scoring 144 runs in six innings at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 151.57. He also took 11 wickets in eight games, with his best figures being 3/20.
As speculation continues to mount, all eyes will be on the Indian selectors and team management. Will they consider Pandya for the upcoming Test series? His inclusion could provide the team with a dynamic all-rounder capable of making significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Hardik Pandya’s “Battle Tested” post has certainly set the cricketing world abuzz. Whether or not this signals a definitive return to Test cricket remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Pandya’s passion for the game and his determination to excel in all formats remain as strong as ever. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates and hoping to see him back in the Test whites soon.
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