Hardik Pandya: Calls are growing for Hardik Pandya's return to Test cricket; if the all-rounder agrees, will the BCCI refuse?

Hardik Pandya was once a crucial part of India's Test team. His presence provided balance to the team. However, due to injuries, Pandya was sidelined from this format and gradually distanced himself from it. Pandya himself decided not to play Test cricket. Now, there are calls for his return to Test cricket.

Recently, India's performance in Test matches has been quite disappointing. Since Pandya's departure, the team hasn't found a suitable fast-bowling all-rounder. The BCCI has given opportunities to Nitish Kumar Reddy, but he hasn't been very effective. Nitish struggles to get overs to bowl, and the team management doesn't seem keen on giving him more bowling opportunities. He bowls very little.

Bring back Pandya!

Pandya played his last Test match for India in 2018. After that, he was sidelined due to a back injury. Pandya has played 11 Test matches for India, scoring 532 runs. He has also scored one century and four half-centuries. Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa believes that Pandya should play Test cricket. He said that if Pandya wants to play Test cricket, would the BCCI stop him?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa said, "If Hardik Pandya makes a comeback at number 7 in Tests, it would be fantastic. The way he's playing, anything is possible; this is cricket. You should never say never. If Pandya decides to play Test cricket, will the BCCI refuse him? If he wants to play and win the Test Championship, I don't think they will refuse him. I think they will ask Pandya to prove his fitness."

Uthappa said that Nitish isn't bowling much. He said, "Nitish Kumar isn't bowling much. He bowls 12 overs. If Pandya bowls 12-15 overs per innings, I think with his current fitness level, he can do it."

Which cricketer wouldn't want that? Uthappa said that every cricketer wants to win as many ICC trophies as possible. He mentioned that Pandya has already won the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup. He added that Pandya would also want to win the Test Championship. "He has won several ICC trophies already," Uthappa said. "He's won the Asia Cup, the T20 World Cup. He would want to win the ICC Test Championship as well. After that, the complete Grand Slam. Which cricketer wouldn't want that?"