Why Hardik Pandya Is Not Playing Duleep Trophy 2024? 

Hardik Pandya in Test cricket (X.com)Hardik Pandya in Test cricket (X.com)

Hardik Pandya is one of the most accomplished seam-bowling all-rounder in India, but has not played Test cricket for India since 2018 with injuries troubling him at regular intervals. 

For the first time in many years, the all-rounder is looking fully fit, and there were some hopes that he would be back for Test cricket as well, which have gone under the sea again with him not in the contention to play Duleep Trophy ahead of the Bangladesh Tests. 

So, why exactly, Hardik is not keen on playing Test cricket despite his decent record and ability to win matches for India with his all-round skills.

Hardik Pandya's Fitness Concerns

Hardik Pandya is a rare asset in Indian cricket with his ability to bowl around 140 kph and deliver quality performances with the bat as well. The double load though has taken a toll on his body, and it seems that his body is still not ready to handle the loads of Test cricket over the course of five days.

Test cricket will require him to bowl atleast 10-20 overs on an average day if he plays as an all-rounder and bat and field for long hours which could be a big problem for Hardik given his  history of injuries.

Hardik Pandya's Utility In Limited Overs format

Hardik Pandya is a very important player for India in ODIs and T20Is and losing him in those formats would be a big loss with World Cups and ICC tournaments like Champions Trophy lined-up. So, Hardik Pandya and BCCI seem to be over-cautious while using Hardik Pandya which looks like a pragmatic decision at the moment.

Will Hardik Pandya Retire From Test Cricket?

Hardik Pandya has not played Test cricket for six years now. He is 30-years old and it is hard to see him getting fitter from hereon. However, he has not spoken about retiring from any format as of now, but even though he has not declared it officially, it is hard to see Hardik playing Test cricket unless he decides to make Test cricket his priority.