Hardik Pandya Opens Up on His Future in Test Cricket

Absence of pacer Jasprit Bumrah has opened up a slot for fast-bowling all-rounders in the team for the World Test Championship finals. It is likely that Shardul Thakur might find a place for himself. However, Hardik Pandya who will be leading India in the first Ind vs Aus ODI game opened up on his prospect of playing the World Test Championship finals and Test cricket in general.

Hardik Pandya has consistently stated that he will only participate in tests after earning his spot. He said that it would be unfair to others if he was picked up in the squad. The all-rounder made his debut for India in the longest format in 2017. However, since September 2018, Hardik Pandya has not been selected for the squad for the longest format of the game. In 11 games, he has 532 runs and 17 wickets.

I haven’t done 10% to reach there: Hardik Pandya

Answering the questions ahead of the ODI series, Hardik Pandya said, “No. I am ethically very strong person. I haven’t done 10% to reach there. I am not even a part of 1%. So me coming there and taking someone’s place will ethically not go well. If I want to play Test cricket, I’ll go through the grind and earn my spot. Hence, for that reason, I will not be available for the WTC final or future test series until I feel that I have earned my spot.”

The Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya has seen ups and downs in his career owing to the injuries. He made a strong comeback last year in IPL and led the new franchise to its first IPL victory. Since then, BCCI has been keen on letting Hardik Pandya captain the side whenever there was an opportunity. Pandya also played a key role in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. After India’s exit from the semi-finals of the competition, the cricketing board is keen to have a different team for the shortest format and so far, Pandya has been leading them. The unavailability of Rohit Sharma for the first ODI will give the all-rounder an opportunity to lead the side.