‘I’ll give the long format a try’ – Hardik Pandya opens up on possibility of his Test comeback

Hardik Pandya, India’s stand-in T20I captain, was asked about his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket after leading the Indian team to another series victory over New Zealand on Wednesday. After the T20 World Cup last year, Pandya took over as India’s new vice-captain in the limited-overs format, replacing KL Rahul.

Pandya’s all-round performance at Ahmedabad sealed India’s victory in the third T20I, extending his development as a white-ball player. While Indian opener Shubman Gill hit a record-breaking century, India’s skipper Pandya delivered with the ball as India thrashed the Black Caps.

I’m going to focus on white-ball cricket: Hardik Pandya

Pandya’s four crucial wickets sparked New Zealand’s batting collapse. The Indian captain took four wickets and allowed only 16 runs as New Zealand was bowled out for 66 in 12.1 overs. Pandya spoke to reporters after the game about his desire to return to Test cricket.  “I will come (back) when I feel (it’s) the right time to play Test-match cricket,” Pandya said.

“Right now, I’m going to focus on white-ball cricket, which is important, and if time is right and body is fine, I’ll give (the long format) a try,” the Indian all-rounder added.

Pandya has appeared in 11 Tests for India. In 2017, he made his Test debut for Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. The star all-rounder last appeared in a Test match for India in 2018 (against England).

With the upcoming home series against Australia, India will resume its campaign in the second edition of the World Test Championship. India currently sits second in the World Test Championship points table. In the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy, hosts India will play four Test matches against Australia, led by all-format captain Rohit Sharma.

The first Test match between India and Australia is scheduled for February 9 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The following matches will be played in Delhi, Dharmashala, and Mumbai. The Men in Blue will also play a three-match ODI series against Australia following the Test series.