In the wake of India’s heart-wrenching loss to Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final, the spotlight has shifted to the team’s selection choices. One pivotal decision that drew criticism was the exclusion of world No. 1 Test bowler Ravichandra Ashwin, as India opted for a four-seamer strategy that backfired spectacularly. The absence of a fast-bowling all-rounder in the squad compounded India’s woes and sparked discussions on the team’s composition.
Ganguly wants Pandya to comeback
Looking ahead to the upcoming WTC cycle, former Indian captain and esteemed BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has voiced his desire to see Hardik Pandya, a world-class fast-bowling all-rounder, make a triumphant return to Test cricket. Ganguly’s words carry weight as he highlights the need for a balanced side and the impact Pandya’s presence could have, especially in foreign conditions.
Sourav Ganguly‘s unwavering belief in India’s talent pool shines through as he emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities to deserving players. While IPL performances might not be the sole criteria for selection, Ganguly acknowledges the abundance of talent in domestic cricket, singling out emerging stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, it is Pandya who captures Ganguly’s attention and fuels his hopes for a Test resurgence.
Pandya may come when he feels like
Having played 11 Tests for India thus far, Pandya’s all-round capabilities are evident, with 532 runs and 17 wickets to his name. His remarkable five-wicket haul against England during the 2018 tour showcased his potential as a match-winner. However, Pandya has been absent from Test matches since then, prioritizing the need to earn his spot through first-class cricket, which he hasn’t played since December 2018.
While Pandya declined the opportunity to feature in the WTC 2023 final during the IPL, he expressed his commitment to the longer format, vowing to return only when he feels he has truly earned his place. It is this dedication and determination that resonates with Ganguly and others who long to witness Pandya’s explosive talent on the Test stage once again.
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