India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been on fire in the white-ball format ever since he made his comeback during the previous edition of the Indian Premier League. After India’s exit from the T20 World Cup 2021, Hardik Pandya worked on his fitness and impressed one and all with his all-around show. He was even promoted as India’s new vice-captain in the limited-overs format, replacing KL Rahul.
Besides his brilliant performance in all the departments of the game, he has been very impressive with his captaincy as well. Hardik Pandya has managed to maintain his perfect series win record as Indian captain. He has registered his fourth straight T20I series win in a row after Team India defeated New Zealand by 168 runs in the third T20I match in Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Hardik Pandya was also named the Player of the Series for his all-around show throughout the series. Pandya is being touted as the perfect replacement for Rohit Sharma in the shortest format of the game.
Meanwhile, Pandya was asked about his much-awaited return to red-ball cricket after India’s win in another series win against New Zealand on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters after the match, Pandya opened up about returning to Test cricket. Pandya said: “I will come (back) when I feel (it’s) the right time to play Test-match cricket.”
He added: “Right now, I’m going to focus on white-ball cricket, which is important, and if the time is right and my body is fine, I’ll give (the long format) a try,”
Pandya has played 11 Test matches for India. He made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium in 2017. The star all-rounder last played a Test match for India (against England) in 2018.
The Indian cricket team will resume its campaign in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship with the upcoming home series against Australia. India is currently placed second on the ICC World Test Championship points table. India will take on Australia in the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Team India is scheduled to play the Test series opener against Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on February 9.
