India vs New Zealand 2023

‘I will come back when i feel…’ – Hardik Pandya drops huge statement when asked about his Test future

India won the T20 series against New Zealand 2-1.

Feb 3, 2023 11:12 am

India T20I skipper Hardik Pandya gave a good account of himself in the two T20I series that he has played in as captain. The Men in Blue, under Hardik, first routed Sri Lanka 3-0 and then won the series against New Zealand 2-1. He has carried his learning and experience from leading the Gujarat franchise to an Indian T20 league title in 2022.

Pandya, in the final match, had a good all-round game. He picked up 4-16 in his four overs in the second innings which helped keep the Kiwis down to just 66 in 12.1 overs. In the first innings with the bat, he scored 30 off 17 balls with four fours and one six. After the game, the reporters asked Pandya about his test match plans and comeback into Test cricket to which pat came the reply.

Right now, I am going to focus on white-ball cricket – Hardik Pandya

“I will come (back) when I feel (it’s) the right time to play Test-match cricket,” Pandya said. “Right now, I’m going to focus on white-ball cricket, which is important, and if time is right and body is fine, I’ll give (the long format) a try,” The India all-rounder stated. He has scored 532 runs for the national side in 11 matches. He has 17 wickets in the white flannels and also one five-wicket haul against England and a century to his name against Sri Lanka.

India have their next assignment against Australia which will be the Border Gavaskar Trophy. It will be played for the first time in India since 2017. In the 2027 edition, India won the three-match series 2-1. India won the Border Gavaskar Trophy in the last two editions when it was held in Australia in 2018 and 2021. The first Test will be played at Nagpur.

The four Test matches will take place and then will be followed by three ODIs. Australia have interestingly chosen not to play the practice games in India. The Kangaroos are training in Bengaluru. Usman Khawaja had visa issues and was a little delayed in his departure to India. But the opening batter left for Bengaluru on Feb 2.