Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly argued that the Indian Test team would become an Invincible force if Hardik Pandya returns to red-ball cricket. Gavaskar has offered his strategic advice to current captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir, emphasizing the importance of persuading Pandya to make a Test comeback.
Sunil Gavaskar urges for Hardik Pandya’s return
In a recent interview with RevSportz, Gavaskar expressed his hopes for the next two months, urging the team management to put in significant efforts to convince Pandya to rejoin the Test squad. “I’m hoping that, in these two months, some efforts will be made to try and convince Hardik Pandya to come back to Test cricket,” Gavaskar stated.
Gavaskar further elaborated on his point, emphasizing the transformative impact Pandya’s return could have on the Indian Test team. “If Hardik starts batting at number 6 or 7 and bowls just 10 overs a day, his presence with the bat will make the Indian team pretty much invincible in any country,” Gavaskar said.
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Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance and potential impact on India’s Test team
Pandya, who played a crucial role in India‘s victorious campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has already showcased his talent and versatility on the international stage. During the tournament, he amassed 144 runs and claimed 11 wickets, underlining his all-round capabilities.
However, Pandya has been absent from the Test arena for a considerable time. His last appearance in a Test match was against England in August 2018. Over his Test career, spanning 11 matches, Pandya has scored 532 runs and taken 17 wickets, demonstrating his potential as a valuable asset in the longer format of the game.
Gavaskar’s call for Pandya’s return highlights the veteran cricketer’s belief in the balance and depth Pandya can bring to the Test team. With his ability to contribute significantly both with the bat and ball, Pandya’s inclusion could indeed elevate the team’s performance and make them a formidable opponent in the Test cricket.
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