On 25th April, BCCI announced the team that would face Australia in the final of the World Test Championship. Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane returned to the Test squad after 17 months. Rahane is in splendid form in the Indian Premier League 2023 and also played superbly in the Ranji Trophy.
There were mixed reactions to Rahane’s inclusion in the squad. But former Indian pacer Dodda Ganesh feels that Hardik Pandya should have been picked in the team for the clash against Australia. He expressed his opinion on Twitter.
“It wouldn’t have been a bad idea to bring back Hardik Pandya into the test squad.”
More seam bowling all-rounders are needed for in a team tour in the SENA countries. The inclusion of Hardik Pandya would not have been a risky call, as the conditions at the Oval, London, favor seamers. The selection committee opted for Shardul Thakur, who proved his status as a game-winner for the Indian cricket team.
Hardik Pandya’s last Test match was against England in 2018. He lost his place in the team as back problems prevented him from bowling the long spells necessary in the longest format. After surgery in October 2019, the GT skipper returned to white ball cricket and has led his IPL franchise to success.
The final of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at The Oval, London, from 7 to 11 June, with a reserve day in place (12 June).
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