Cricket

I want Hardik Pandya to play Test cricket – Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has urged Hardik Pandya to make a return to Test cricket. Pandya last played a Test match for India in 2018 against England at the Oval. Subsequently, Pandya suffered a horrific back injury and later admitted his body isn’t ready for the adversities of Test cricket.

Recently, Pandya was asked about his availability for the World Test Championship final against Australia and he said it won’t be fair on players who are consistently playing for the national team in the red-ball format.

Since the back injury, Pandya has only played in limited-overs format and he has managed his bowling workload with guile. In the recently concluded IPL 2023, in which Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to the final of the tournament, the all-rounder bowled a total of 25 overs in 11 innings, taking a total of only three wickets.

Pandya has focused on white-ball formats in the last five years but there is no doubt India needs an all-rounder like him in Test cricket, especially while playing in overseas conditions.

“India has enormous reserves. When you look at some of the performances. I don’t consider IPL performances if we are sticking to Test cricket. In domestic cricket, there are some fantastic players and you will only find out when you give them opportunities. Whether it be Jaiswal or Patidar, Abhimanyu Easwaran from Bengal scores a lot of runs. Shubman Gill is young, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and I hope Hardik Pandya is listening. I want to see him play Test cricket, especially in these conditions,” said Ganguly on India Today.

On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli could not deliver the goods in the World Test Championship final against Australia. Ergo, there has been pressure piling on the duo but Ganguly feels the time has not come to look beyond these two veterans.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions due to just one loss, India will always have talent. And I don’t think it is time to look beyond Virat (Kohli) or (Cheteshwar) Pujara. Virat is just 34,” said Ganguly.

India will next tour West Indies for two Test matches, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024