Hardik Pandya's Absence 'Haunts' India, Says Ian Chappell

image-letpz7dwIND vs AUS: Hardik Pandya last played a Test in 2018 [Twitter]

Former Australian cricketer, Ian Chappell is in disbelief that Hardik Pandya is not in the Indian Test squad after India were thrashed by Australia by 9-wickets in Indore.


What happened to Hardik Pandya?

Hardik last played a Test match for India in 2018, and since then hasn't featured for the Indian team. He suffered from a serious back injury and made his successful return in the national setup after a lengthy layoff.

However, since his comeback after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, Hardik is not only concentrating on his batting but has also worked hard yards for bowling.


Chappell in disbelief about Hardik

“I don’t understand why Hardik Pandya isn’t in the Indian team. People keep telling me he can’t bowl this much. But again, are you listening to the medical people or having a chat with the cricket people? If Pandya wants to play, he should be in the Indian side. He’s a good batsman, he bowls decently, he is a damn good fielder," Chappell told ESPNCricinfo.

Chappell compares Hardik-Cam Green

Chappell compares the Hardik Pandya situation with that of Cameron Green. He reckons all-rounders like Green and Hardik bring in balance which is vital for a team.

“To find the right balance, Australia needed Cameron Green in there. And India needs Hardik Pandya.”

With Green's inclusion in the playing XI, Australia can play three spinners and a seam bowler. Green can chip in with few overs as well. Similarly, with Hardik in the squad, he can be the seam bowling option, and India can regularly go with R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.