As Team India gears up for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final against Australia, former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has made a significant remark about Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, who is not currently part of the Test team. Pandya, who has been leading India in the shortest format of the game, has not made himself available for Test selection since his return to international cricket last year after recovering from an injury.
Pandya had previously stated that he does not feel he has “earned” a spot in the Test team yet. Klusener, however, believes that Pandya is giving up on the Test format too easily. He emphasized that Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game and presents the ultimate challenge for cricketers to test themselves.
“Yes, possibly. Test cricket (is) always the pinnacle of testing where you are as a cricketer and testing yourselves. He (Pandya) is a fantastic cricketer, and if he can stay fit and continues to bowl 135+ kmph, he will always be challenging as one of the best all-rounders in the world”. Klusener told reporters when one question was whether Pandya has given up the format.
Klusener acknowledged Pandya’s exceptional skills and described him as a fantastic cricketer. He expressed that if Pandya can maintain his fitness and continue bowling at a pace of 135+ kmph, he will always be considered one of the best all-rounders in the world.
Earlier this year, Pandya addressed his Test cricket future and stated that he had not done enough to earn a spot in the Test team. He emphasized the importance of going through the grind and earning his place rather than taking someone else’s spot without deserving it.
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Hardik Pandya expressed his trust in the strength and conditioning coaches. He mentioned that workload management and selection decisions are in the hands of professionals who make the best decisions for the team.
While Pandya focuses on limited-overs cricket, his absence from the Test team has sparked discussions about his potential return to the longest format. As an immensely talented all-rounder, Pandya’s availability and performance in Test cricket would undoubtedly add value to the Indian team. However, the decision ultimately rests with Pandya, as he aims to fully recover, earn his place, and make a lasting impact in the Test arena.
