'I Hope He's Listening..,' Sourav Ganguly's Request Hardik Pandya

image-liv6bt9sHardik Pandya has played 11 Tests for India [Source: Twitter]

With the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023, ending in disappointment for India, the management and former players are already looking forward to the next WTC 2023-2025 Cycle. India suffered yet another heartbreak, after Australia thrashed Rohit Sharma and Co. by 209 runs at The Oval last week, to lift the coveted Test Mace, inviting questions about the future of several players in the Test setup.

However, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has advised authorities against making any knee-jerk conclusion after one loss and discarding players who have kept India flying high in Tests over the years. 

Speaking to India Today, the former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president stated that he wants Hardik Pandya to return to Tests and that newer players should be given opportunities.


Here's what Ganguly said

"Let's not jump to conclusions due to just one loss, India will always have talent. And I don't think it is time to look beyond Virat (Kohli) or (Cheteshwar) Pujara. Virat is just 34."

"India has enormous reserves. When you look at some of the performances. I don't consider IPL performances if we are sticking to Test cricket. In domestic cricket, there are some fantastic players and you will only find out when you give them opportunities. Whether it be Jaiswal or Patidar, Abhimanyu Easwaran from Bengal scores a lot of runs."

"Shubman Gill is young, Ruturaj Gaikwad and I hope Hardik Pandya is listening. I want to see him play Test cricket, especially in these conditions."

Pandya, who is potentially India's next white-ball leader, last played a Test in 2018 in England, has put red-ball cricket on the back burner following his back injury. The 29-year-old has indicated about returning to Test cricket, but when his body and mind are ready for the hard grind. 

In 11 Tests for India, the Gujarat Titans skipper has scored 532 runs and has taken 17 wickets, which includes a century and a five-wicket haul as well.​

India's next international assignment will be a full-fledged tour of the West Indies, consisting of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.