Reports: In anticipation of the Test team’s comeback, Hardik Pandya will play in the Ranji Trophy

Hardik Pandya had turned his head away from Test cricket and focused solely on white-ball cricket. He played his last Test for India in September 2018 and since then he has only featured in the other two formats. The reason for abstaining from playing the longer format stemmed from the focus on the all-rounder’s workload management as he was being prone to injuries.

The 30-year-old is reportedly planning to return to Test cricket, and he will start preparing for it by taking part in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy season, according to sources from Sports Tak. Pandya will represent his native state of Baroda in both whites and white-ball domestic competitions, according to a source from the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA).

I haven’t made 10% of an effort to get there: Hardik Pandya

Pandya has not represented India in whites for almost six years. Having made his format debut in July 2017, he has only played 11 Tests thus far. In the lead-up to the 2023 World Cup, he was selected the team’s deputy captain. When asked if he will make a return in the Tests, Pandya said he wasn’t ready for the role and called himself undeserving.

“I’ve only contributed 10% to getting there. Not even one percent is a part of me. Therefore, it would be unethical for me to go there and take someone else’s place.

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I’ll work hard and earn a slot if I want to play Test cricket. Therefore, till I don’t think I’ve earned my spot, I won’t be available for the WTC final or any upcoming Test series,” Pandya had stated.