'I would be very surprised because I know his body' - Dinesh Karthik on chances of Hardik Pandya’s Test return

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been recently spotted training with the red ball, igniting speculation about his potential return to Test cricket. Pandya, who made his international debut for India in January 2016 against Australia, has been absent from Test cricket for nearly six years.

His last appearance in the longest format of the game was in 2018, after which he has primarily focused on limited-overs cricket. With 11 Test matches under his belt, Pandya has scored 532 runs, including a century, and claimed 17 wickets, which includes a fifer.

The 30-year-old cricketer has been training hard in the nets with the red ball and reports suggest that Pandya might participate in some upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, depending on his physical condition and workload management. The Indian team management is cautiously optimistic but prioritises preventing any potential injuries.

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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik expressed his thoughts on the matter and said that he is happy if he joined the Test team but is doubtful about his body giving him the support.

“Wow, that would be really good. Especially someone with his skill set, so fast bowling and batting in Australia would be good, but to be very honest, I would be very surprised because I know his body; it’s not that easy for him to play Test cricket where he is today, so I again will be surprised,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz’s HeyCB with DK show.

In his absence, the team has relied on Shardul Thakur as a fast-bowler all-rounder option. While Thakur has contributed with some crucial innings, particularly in away matches, his bowling performances have been inconsistent and often expensive. Looking ahead, if declared fit, Pandya might make his Test comeback during the series against Australia. The all-rounder was part of India's tour to Australia in 2018-19.