New Delhi: Seems like flamboyant Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to make a Test comeback as he was seen bowling with a red ball on Friday. Since undergoing a major surgery for his longstanding back issue, Hardik stopped playing in the red-ball format and focused himself for the white-ball matches.
The Indian all-rounder played his last first-class match in December 2018 and since the last 6 years, has been active in the ODIs and T20Is along with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Just a week ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh, the all-rounder shared some photos of him practicing with bowling with a red ball in his hand. As soon as the pics went viral, it is being speculated that he might return to play in the longest format of the game.
India’s red-ball calendar
Team India is set to play a lot of red-ball cricket starting with the Bangladesh Test series scheduled for September 19. After playing the two Test matches against the Bangla Tigers at home, New Zealand is scheduled to tour India in the month of October for a three-match Test series. Post that in the November-January window, the Rohit Sharma-led side will be touring Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The reason why he has been made to sit out of the longest format of cricket since last 6 years has been his fitness and form. Hardik has not achieved his best fitness levels like it used to be before 2018, when he used to be a part of the India Test team almost regularly. Another thing which has blocked his presence in the red-ball game is his inconsistency in form. The all-rounder, who was at his peak few years back, is experiencing a dip in his performances.
Hardik Pandya was spotted bowling with a red ball during a practice session sparking speculations of his return to Test format. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
