BCCI Selectors Ask Hardik Pandya to Prove Fitness by Playing Ranji Trophy

Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, is currently recovering from the back injury he had received while playing in the Asia Cup. He had already not been selected in the recently concluded three-match T20I series and will also not play the Test series against Australia.

However it is expected that he would return to the squad for the three-match ODI series against the Aussies, which is scheduled to begin from January 12. However the selectors have asked him to prove his fitness by participating in the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament.

The injury was caused to him while bowling in the Asia Cup in the match against Pakistan. Recently he shared his rehabilitation photo on social media and was also selected for the three One-Dayers against New Zealand A.

But the 25-year-old has now been ruled out of those matches as he has not recovered fully from his injuries. The One-Dayers against New Zealand A is slated to begin from December 7.

According to reports from ESPN Cricinfo, Pandya is now going to take part in the sixth round of the ongoing Ranji Trophy. He will play for Baroda against Mumbai in the match which will be played from December 14.

He has last featured in first-class cricket during the 2016-17 season and it will be interesting to see how he plays in that match. Moreover it is surprising to see that the selectors have asked him to play a four-day game despite the fact he will be playing the ODI series against Australia.

But with the latest instructions been given, it seems that the selectors might consider Hardik for the third Test if he goes unscathed in the Ranji Trophy. By the time the sixth round ends, India will have played two out of four Tests.

If Hardik remains fit, he might be picked for the Boxing Day Test which begins from December 26. As of now, Hardik will not be playing for India A against New Zealand A, but will soon turn out for Baroda.