Indian selectors considering Hardik Pandya's Test return, T20I captaincy may delay - Reports

Hardik Pandya (Image Credit: Twitter)

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya might make his return to Test cricket after 2018. In the last more than four years, he hasn't played the format due to back injuries. During the Men's Asia Cup 2018, Pandya sustained a slip disk during a game against Pakistan. He was ruled out of the game for a few months. Since then, he hasn't been in contention for selection in the longest format.

Not to forget, he sustained another back injury in 2019 and had to go for an operation. This kept him out of the game for almost a year, including the time when cricket wasn't played due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Even after his comeback, he didn't bowl much as he had issues with his fitness. However, last year, the Gujarat skipper in the Indian T20 League made his comeback in the cash-rich league.

We will discuss Hardik Pandya's comeback ahead of Test Championship final: Reports

Meanwhile, an Indian Cricket Board official has said that there is no hurry to bring back the all-rounder in the Test side. The former added that the discussion around the same will be done ahead of the Test Championship 2023 final. At this point, the Indian team is yet to make it to the title clash.

“There is no hurry for him to return to Test but yes, it would be better to have some clarity. We will discuss this sometime before WTC Final. He could play an important role in England considering Bumrah is out for a while. But there is absolutely no pressure on him to return to Test cricket immediately,” a senior Indian Cricket Board official told InsideSport.

“At the moment, he is not available for selection in Tests. You definitely have to take into consideration his past history of injuries. Rushing him to play all three formats could be detrimental. But if the NCA, Medical Team and Hardik himself feel he is ready for Test return, he will be in fray for sure,” the official told InsideSport.