Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar believes that reintroducing Hardik Pandya into India's Test setup is key to making the team "invincible." Gavaskar emphasised that the way Pandya is utilised could determine India's dominance in Test cricket. Having played a crucial role in India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in June, Gavaskar now advocates for Pandya’s return to the Test format, especially with a packed schedule ahead.
India is set to play three Tests against New Zealand in October, followed by a four-Test series in Australia in late November. Gavaskar asserts that Pandya’s inclusion could be a game-changer during this period. He highlighted the impact Pandya could have if he starts bowling again.
"I'm hoping that, in these next two months, there will be some effort made to try and convince Hardik Pandya to come back to Test cricket," Gavaskar told RevSportz. "If he starts batting at No. 6 or 7, maybe bowling just ten overs a day, but there with his batting, this Indian team will be pretty much invincible in any country, on any kind of surface."
Pandya has not played Test cricket in nearly six years and has only 11 Tests to his name. However, his recent form and the persistent need for a pace-bowling all-rounder in Tests could prompt a comeback.
Gavaskar's call comes as newly-appointed Team of India head coach Gautam Gambhir prepares for his first major test during the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Gambhir, who recently took over from Rahul Dravid, faces a challenging start to his tenure with these crucial Test series.
Pandya's reputation took a hit during IPL 2024 when, as captain of the Mumbai Indians, he led the team to a last-place finish. However, his stellar performances in the T20 World Cup have redeemed his standing among fans and critics.
Gavaskar’s endorsement of Pandya underscores the belief that the all-rounder's return could significantly bolster India's Test team, potentially making them an unstoppable force regardless of conditions or opposition.