Hardik Pandya Set For Ranji Trophy Return Ahead Of Border-Gavaskar Series

Hardik set for red-ball return [x]

There is some good news for the Indian cricket team, with all-rounder, Hardik Pandya set to participate in the Ranji Trophy tournament, slated to begin next month. The star-all-rounder will play white-ball cricket for Baroda, and will also be available for red-ball matches.

Hardik eyeing India Test return

As per Sports Tak, a top Baroda official has stated that Pandya will be available for the upcoming domestic season, and will play for Baroda in a bid to regain fitness and form. Recently, Hardik has been practising with red-ball, indicating that he is eyeing a comeback in the game's longest format.

Hardik last played a Test match for India during the tour of England in 2018, and since then he has prioritized white-ball cricket, in a bid to prolong his career. However, the team management, including new head coach, Gautam Gambhir wants Hardik in the Test team, especially on fast and bouncy Australian wickets.

Moreover, there is a possibility that he might participate in the Test series against New Zealand, to test his fitness ahead of the BGT 2024-25. Apart from domestic cricket, Hardik is also focusing on the T20 series against Bangladesh, which will take place after the two Tests.

Jadeja’s place in danger if Hardik returns?

On fast Australian pitches, Indian team needs an X-factor and Hardik can be that. He has a good bowling record in South Africa and England and can be the trump card for Rohit Sharma. 

In the bowling department, India’s strength is their spin-bowling, and in Australia, conditions will favour the pacers. Hence, there could be a chance India take both Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik on the Aussie tour, but they play Hardik, since he is a seam bowler, and can utilised the conditions better.

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