Ex-India batter Robin Uthappa has given his opinion regarding the problem of India in the recent times as per the Test cricket. He reckons that the team lacks a true fast-bowling all-rounder and has recommended that Hardik Pandya should look to get back to the Test format.
Uthappa, an Indian who played in the T20 world cup winning team of India in 2007, stated that the BCCI will not interfere with Hardik in case he is willing to play in Test cricket once more. UTthappa believes that India has no player who can perform both at the bat and with the ball over long periods in the Test matches.
The last time Hardik Pandya played a Test match with India was in 2018. Subsequently, he chose to avoid the longest format so that he can maintain his fitness and workload. Uthappa however believes that the prevailing circumstances in the Test team have opened the eyes to the necessity of a pace all-rounder.
Uthappa explained his point by referring to Nitish Kumar Reddy, that a fast-bowling all-rounder in Test cricket is supposed to bowl long hauls. He indicated that Reddy is not bowling a lot of overs at the time. Uthappa indicated that Hardik would be a good addition to the Test team in case he can bowl 12-15 overs in an innings.
Uthappa also clarified that the decision to resume to the Test cricket will solely rest on the shoulders of Hardik. The only way he can make a comeback is when he is physically fit and capable of the demands of the format.
Hardik Pandya was introduced to the Test team in 2017 and he had 11 Tests with India. During such matches he made above 500 runs and 17 wickets. His finest bowling was in a match with England where he took five wickets in an innings.
Whether Hardik Pandya would be willing to come back to Test cricket is yet to be determined, but the remarks of Uthappa have again begun the debate as to whether India needs a strong pace all-rounder.
