Former Team India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra reckons all-rounder Hardik Pandya would find it difficult to make into the squad for the Test series against Australia. Incidentally, India will play four Test against the Aussies later this year as a part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The ace all-rounder from Baroda made a swashbuckling entry into the Test arena in 2017 against Sri Lanka. He smashed a century and scalped a five-wicket haul to make an immediate mark. However, he has struggled with injuries in the last couple of years which has made it tough for him to cement the berth.
Hardik Pandya last played during the England Test in 2018, where India encountered a series defeat. Although he has played in the limited-overs, Hardik has had to warm the benches in red-ball cricket.
Hardik Pandya unlikely to feature in Australia Tests: Aakash Chopra
As he looks to make a comeback in the Australia Tests, Aakash Chopra believes it will be difficult for Hardik Pandya. The former opener feels it will not be just to fast-track Pandya into the Test considering his back injury. Chopra is also of the opinion that Ravindra Jadeja might find it difficult to get into the team.
“I feel neither of them might play. That is a very strong possibility. Because I feel that Hardik Pandya making it to the Test team doesn’t look possible to me currently,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“That is because he has a back injury, he has not started bowling, he has not played ODIs, he might play T20s but will you play him in Tests after playing in the IPL,” he stated.
“Is he ready for Tests and does he want to play Tests currently? First thing first, I do not envisage Hardik Pandya playing the first Test match in Australia. That is what I feel,” Chopra added.
Speaking about the tour, the four-Test series will commence from December 3, India will then attempt to end Australia’s unbeaten record in Adelaide day-night Tests. Adelaide will host the only day-night Test of the tour ahead of Perth. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Sydney will host the traditional Boxing Day and New Year Tests.