Former wicketkeeper of India National Cricket Team Parthiv Patel dismissed the speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya’s comeback to Test format after a clip of him bowling with the red ball went viral. Hardik hasn’t played a Test since 2018.
His injury prone body has stopped the all-rounder from playing the longest format of the game.
“Hardik Pandya is not returning to Test cricket. He was practicing with the red ball because the white-ball was not available. His body can’t handle four-day and five-day matches. He will have to play first-class cricket before being considered for selection in Test team, which is highly unlikely,” Parthvi Patel said on JioCinema.
With the five-Test series in Australia, Hardik’s return became a hot topic. Meanwhile, Parthiv said India could have played left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur.
“The second Test was a chance for the hosts to try Yash Dayal. If this Test ends in a draw, it is important to note that the next series will be against New Zealand, and you experiment against that team,” he added.
Parthiv Patel recently mentioned that Hardik Pandya could play Tests if he returns to Ranji Trophy.
“It is up to Hardik Pandya whether he wants to be a part of the Test team or not. The BCCI and the selectors have made it clear that you have to play first class cricket before getting considered for the national team in Test cricket.
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