Parthiv Patel dismisses rumors of Hardik Pandya's Test comeback, explains practice with red ball due to absence of white ball

Earlier this month, a photo of Hardik Pandya practicing with the red ball quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting speculation about a potential return to red-ball cricket for the all-rounder. After recovering from a back injury during IPL 2022, Hardik had focused solely on white-ball formats, but this recent sighting raised hopes among fans of seeing him back in action in the longer format of the game.

This further narrowed down to only T20 appearances after another injury during the 2023 World Cup last year. Hardik wasn't picked for the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August earlier this year, with suggestions that the all-rounder might have to take part in domestic fifty-over tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to be considered for selection.

And so, it did throw many off the balance when the picture of Hardik practising with the red ball was made public. In fact, there was also a report that suggested Hardik would return to first-class cricket in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. His last first-class appearance for Baroda came way back in 2018. So, is Hardik on a comeback trail in red-ball cricket?

According to former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, it doesn't seem to be the case.

Speaking on JioCinema as the play was delayed on Day 2 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, Parthiv stated that Hardik was forced to practice with the red ball, as a white ball wasn't available. The former wicketkeeper-batter insisted that Hardik's body won't allow multiple-day matches.

“I'm not looking at Hardik Pandya (in Tests). He was practising with the red ball only because the white ball wasn't available. I don't think his body allows four-day and five-day matches. He has to play at least one first-class game (before being considered for selection in Tests), which is very unlikely,” Parthiv said.

The discussion on Hardik's potential comeback found its root in India's bowling combinations for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand (home) and Australia (away). Adding to the debate, Parthiv also stated that India missed an opportunity to give Yash Dayal a Test debut, as it would be difficult for the side to experiment with the combination against New Zealand.

“The second Test was an opportunity for India to use Yash Dayal. And no, I'm not undermining Bangladesh, but if this Test match ends in a draw, it is very important to address that the next series will be against New Zealand, and then they won't be in a position to experiment,” said the former wicketkeeper-batter.