Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya is finally back into the red ball cricket after long time. After being rested in the Australia test series, selectors have eased him into the team for the upcoming test series against England.
The talented all rounder was forced to undergo a shoulder surgery in late 2019 due to recurring injury problems. However, he made a good recovery and came back to competitive cricket in March 2020.
He played in few domestic T20 cups to tune up for IPL 2020. After the pandemic hit the country, IPL was postponed and Pandya made smooth recovery. He had a sensational IPL and was a vital cog in Mumbai Indians’ triumph to yet another title.
The 27-year old was selected for the limited overs formats against Australia and did terrific job. He was able to replicate match winning innings in T20s and won Man of the series.
Back with #TeamIndia ЁЯЗоЁЯЗ│ Back on home soil ЁЯПЯ Back in red ball cricket ЁЯТк pic.twitter.com/hpnX1az60e
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) February 4, 2021
Now, he is back into red ball cricket after getting picked. He shared the training pics ahead of Chennai test. In the pics he shared, Pandya was seen together with bowling coach Bharat Arun, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul.
“Back with #TeamIndia Back on home soil Back in red ball cricket,” Hardik Pandya’s tweet read.
Pandya is a huge addition to Indian team as he could be playing a huge role later this year. Last time India toured England, Pandya played the role of a fifth bowler which benefitted India brilliantly.
In fact his last test match came against England in 2018 at Southampton. This series is huge for both teams as a lost has been on the cards. India have lost only three test series at home in the last three decades.
England were the last side to defeat India at home back in 2012-13. Since then both teams grew leaps and bounds but India just lost only one test at home in the last 8 years. A win in this series will boost India’s chances to qualify for ICC Test championship finals.
On the other hand, the team can also regain top spot in test rankings which they lost when cricket was not played during the pandemic. India will take on England in the first test from tomorrow at Chennai.
Watch India’s training session here
The hustle never stops ЁЯТкЁЯСМ#TeamIndia getting match ready ahead of the first #INDvENG Test at Chepauk ЁЯЩМ pic.twitter.com/tAGyMC0uZK
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 3, 2021
