Hardik Pandya prepares for red-ball cricket return with Baroda
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is gearing up for a return to red-ball cricket with Baroda in the 2024-25 domestic season. A senior official from the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has confirmed this development. Pandya's comeback is being planned in anticipation of the Test series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year. Recently, Pandya was seen gearing up for the T20I series against Bangladesh, starting October 6, by practicing with a red ball.
Pandya's last 1st-class cricket appearance was in 2018
Pandya, who was recently spotted training with the red ball in England, is also planning to participate in white-ball cricket for Baroda. His last appearance in first-class cricket was during the 2018 Ranji Trophy. The all-rounder's last Test match for India was England at the Rose Bowl in Southampton back in 2018. However, Pandya has not been included in any of the four teams competing in the currently ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024.
BCCI's response to Pandya's red ball practice
A senior source at BCCI, as quoted by PTI, responded to the speculation surrounding Pandya's red ball practice. The source stated, "It's heartening to know that Hardik is bowling with red ball but has he really spoken to men who matter (chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma) about his intentions?" This statement suggests that while Pandya's actions have been noted by the BCCI, his potential return to Test cricket remains uncertain.
Pandya has under a month to prep for Ranji Trophy
Pandya has less than a month to get ready for Baroda's opening match in the Ranji Trophy, which is set for October 11 against the defending champions, Mumbai. The all-rounder's commitment to earning his place in the team was evident when he said, "If I want to play Test cricket, I'll go through the grind and earn my spot." However, Pandya cannot make it to the Indian Test squad if he does not participate in enough domestic cricket matches.
Pandya's Test and FC cricket stats
Pandya has featured in 11 matches and has managed 532 runs at an average of 31.29. He also owns one ton and four fifties. His highest score is 108. As a bowler, he has picked up 17 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 31.05. In First-Class cricket, he has featured in 29 matches scoring 1,351 runs at an average of 30.02. He has 48 wickets in 29 FC matches at an average of 30.95.
