Australia vs India 2018-19: Source Reveal Why Hardik Pandya Was Picked for Test Squad?

India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya was picked for the last two Test matches of the four-match series against Australia. However, the Baroda all-rounder didn’t get any game in the series. Pandya had scalped a five-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy to make his way back into the Indian squad.

Meanwhile, it is now revealed why Hardik Pandya was included in the Test squad. A source has revealed that Pandya was included in the Test squad as there were no matches on schedule for Baroda. Furthermore, the selectors wanted the all-rounder to get acclimatised to the Australian conditions for the ODI series.

Pandya didn’t play any Test.

“If you realise, Baroda wasn’t playing a game for 16 days since the match against Mumbai from December 14. While it is true that he had played just one game since returning from injury, the team management thought that it was best to have him around the team to ensure that he is fully recovered by the time the ODI series gets underway on January 12. The level of training and prepping goes a level higher when you are with the national team and under the watchful eyes of the Indian trainers,” the source said while talking to Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya had a suffered a low back injury in the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup. However, he made a solid comeback as he scored 73 and also took a fifer for Baroda. On the other hand, there were questions marks raised on the fitness of Ravindra Jadeja when India played four pacers in Perth.

Pandya proved his mettle in the domestic circuit.

“While Pandya played one domestic game, he did show that he was in fine form as he picked a fifer and also scored 73 runs in an innings. So, with the tail failing to stand ground in the Perth game and Jadeja still needing some time to be a 100 per cent, it was felt that Pandya would bring some stability to the batting order if he needs to play. He would then be used as a batting all-rounder who would maybe bowl around 10 or 15 overs in a day,” he explained.

Subsequently, Jadeja was able to regain his fitness and played the last two Test matches. The southpaw all-rounder scalped seven wickets in the two matches and also made a jump in ICC all-rounders rankings.

Jadeja also scored a fine knock of 81 in the Sydney Test match to help India strengthen their grip in the match.