According to Insidesport, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to withdraw from Test cricket to extend his white-ball career. But the right-handed hitter has not made a formal statement despite previously informing the BCCI of his plans. As of this writing, he has not appeared in a Test match since the end of 2018.

What did the BCCI source say regarding Hardik Pandya?

“When it comes to injuries, he has been dealing with them for some time now, and he’s contemplating retiring from one format. To keep him focused on white-ball cricket, he should do it. In any case, he was not going to be tested by us. This is a massive setback for the Indian cricket team, but we can not let it get us down,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.

Hardik hasn’t been able to get his groove back after undergoing back surgery. He has only bowled 46 overs in shorter forms in the past year. This year’s ICC T20 World Cup and Indian Premier League were disappointing for the 28-year-old.

“He is just 28 and would be sorely missed if he decides to retire from Test cricket. He was one of India’s best-ever all-rounders. However, with two World Cups coming up in the next two years, we need all-rounder Hardik Pandya back in limited-overs cricket. His return to bowling will be more crucial. He has played in 11 Test matches for India,” said the same source to Insidesport.

Hardik Pandya is going through a tough time

It has been a year since Hardik’s last Test match, and he has not been included in India’s Test team. The BCCI has instructed Hardik to go to the NCA and finish his fitness training. His back issue is said to have bothered him, yet he still played through it.

For India’s trip to South Africa, Hardik may potentially find himself on the sidelines. The Boxing Day Test, which begins on December 26th, will be the first of three Tests and three ODIs that Team India will play in South Africa.

Hardik Pandya was also not retained by Mumbai Indians, which would not have come as a real shock for him

It was a significant surprise after Hardik Pandya wasn’t retained ahead of the IPL Auction. It’s not a surprise if MI chooses to repurchase him when he goes under the hammer because of the influence he has had on the team.

Baroda batsman Hardik Pandya has a strong desire to prove himself as an Indian allrounder despite his changing form or ongoing back problems. Three teams are interested in the hard-hitting allrounder ahead of the IPL 2022 auction.

The Kings got off to a fast start, thanks to the efforts of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. However, their ability to capitalize on death-overs opportunities has been their Achilles heel in recent seasons. Hardik Pandya, whom if Punjab selects at the IPL Auction in 2022, might prove to be a favourable decision for the allrounder, which could also be regarded as a leading contender in the future.