Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has thrown his weight behind the potential return of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to the Test arena, suggesting a specific role that could significantly benefit the national team. Uthappa believes that if Pandya is fit and available for the longest format, his ideal position would be the crucial number seven spot, a move he describes as 'wonderful' for the side's balance.
Uthappa's Vision for Pandya in Test Cricket
In a recent discussion, Robin Uthappa outlined a compelling case for Hardik Pandya's reintegration into the Test squad. He emphasized that Pandya's primary value lies in his dual ability to contribute substantially with both bat and ball. Uthappa pointed out that for Pandya to be effective in Test cricket, he must be considered a genuine bowling option, capable of delivering around 15 overs in an innings. This, according to the former batsman, is non-negotiable for maintaining the team's balance over five days.
The concept of playing Pandya at number seven is strategic. This position would allow India to field a balanced attack featuring five specialist bowlers, including Pandya himself, while still maintaining batting depth. "If he is going to bowl those 15 overs, then it is wonderful to have him at No. 7," Uthappa stated, highlighting how this setup would alleviate pressure on other bowlers and provide the captain with more flexibility.
The Crucial Fitness Factor and T20 World Cup Focus
However, Uthappa was quick to anchor his optimism in a critical condition: Hardik Pandya's physical fitness. The all-rounder has been plagued by injuries in recent years, particularly a troublesome back that has limited his bowling workload. Uthappa made it clear that Pandya's return to Test cricket is contingent on him being fully fit to bowl the required number of overs consistently. Without that assurance, his place in the team becomes far less justifiable, as it would disrupt the bowling combination.
Shifting focus to the immediate future, Uthappa also shared his thoughts on the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA in June. He expressed confidence in the current Indian T20 squad's composition, implying that they have the necessary firepower to compete for the title. His comments come at a time when Pandya is actively leading the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, using the tournament as a vital platform to prove his match fitness and form ahead of the global tournament.
Implications for Team India's Strategy
Robin Uthappa's endorsement carries weight, considering his extensive experience and understanding of the modern game. Advocating for Pandya at number seven in Tests is a direct suggestion to the team management and selectors about optimizing the squad's resources. A fit Hardik Pandya in that role would allow India to play an extra batter or a specialist bowler, making the team more adaptable to different pitch conditions abroad, a long-standing challenge.
This discussion reignites the debate about the value of a pace-bowling all-rounder in Test cricket, a role India has long sought to fill consistently. Pandya's last Test appearance was back in 2018 against England at The Oval. His potential comeback, under the right conditions, could solve a persistent strategic puzzle for the Indian team, providing the balance that has often been missing in overseas campaigns. For now, all eyes will remain on his fitness and performance in the IPL, which serves as the final audition for his T20 World Cup selection and could pave the way for a dramatic return to the whites.
