Hardik Pandya all set for Test return? Report makes massive revelation

Hardik Pandya's return to Test cricket might be the reality now. As per the report in RevSportz, it is learned that the all-rounder can don the whites for the India National Cricket Team again but for a short period, especially with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 around the corner.

The report claimed that Hardik Pandya's return to Test cricket will be dependent on his fitness. And by fitness, it is suggested how the all-rounder's body reacts when he plays match simulation. This means that him playing the longest format of the game could be near.

Talks related to Hardik Pandya's Test return emerged after the all-rounder was recently seen practicing with the red ball

Don't be surprised if you see Hardik Pandya return to Test cricket albeit for a short stint. All will depend on how his body reacts when he plays match simulation etc. Don't rule it out.

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) September 19, 2024

The talks related to Hardik Pandya's Test return emerged after the all-rounder was recently seen practicing with the red ball. Since the last few weeks, the premier all-rounder has been working with the red-ball and it has given rise to many speculations about him making a Test return.

Hardik Pandya practicing with the red-ball for the last few weeks could also be an indication that team management would've conveyed him to make himself ready for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. India are all set to tour Australia for the five-match Test series later this year.

Since the last few years, India have been lacking a proper fast bowling all-rounder and it no doubt has hampered their combination. They have been using Shardul Thakur in the role and he has done a decent job but it's fair to say that the quality of the Hardik Pandya is unmatched.

Pandya has been away from Test cricket since 2018. He last featured for the Indian team in the longest format of the game during the Test series against the England National Cricket Team. In his short career so far, he has some some incredible things for the team.

Pandya last played 11 Tests for India, accumulating 523 runs and taking 17 wickets, which includes a Test century as well as the fifer. He has played vital knocks for his team in overseas conditions, including a crucial 92-run knock against the South Africa National Cricket Team in tough conditions.

He also has a decent first-class career as in 29 games he had scored 1,351 runs at an average of 31.02 with a century and 10 fifties. His best score is 108 and he has also taken 48 wickets, with the best figures of 5/28.

There is a high chance that if Hardik Pandya ticks all the boxes in his fitness, he will be featured for the team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. If he makes it into the team, it will altogether be a different team and they will have a great chance to win a third consecutive Test series down under.

Pandya has proved himself at the big stages and has thrived under pressure. Fingers remain cross for his Test return. The Indian fans would be hoping that he plays the Australia series and helps the team win.