Hardik Pandya to Play For Baroda in Ranji Trophy, Eyes Return to Tests in Border Gavaskar Trophy - Report

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Hardik Pandya is reportedly eyeing a return to Test cricket possibly in the Border Gavaskar Trophy later this year as the star Indian all-rounder is likely to be available for Baroda in the upcoming the Ranji Trophy.

According to a report in Sportstak, a top source in the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) said that there is a chance for Pandya to return to first-class cricket and the all-rounder is also likely to feature in the white-ball games on domestic circuit.

Pandya hasn't played first-class cricket since representing Baroda in the Ranji Trophy clash against Mumbai way back in 2018, when he also last represented India in the red ball game back against England at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

In 2023, before India's World Test Championship final against Australia, Pandya had revealed he would want to earn his spot back in the red ball side and added that it would not have been fair had he taken a spot after sitting out for long time.

"I haven't done 10 per cent to reach there. I am not even a part of one per cent. So, me coming there and taking someone's place will ethically not go well," Pandya had then told the media.

"If I want to play Test cricket, I'll go through the grind and earn my spot. Hence, for that reason I will not be available for the WTC final or future Test series until I don't feel that I have earned my spot."

Now, after teasing of a potential return to the longest format via social media with a video, where he can be seen bowling with the red ball, Pandya has possibly hinted that he is eyeing a Test comeback.

The video clip has sparked speculation among fans about his possible participation in the home Test series against New Zealand or the BGT. In his 11 Test appearances for India, Pandya has amassed 532 runs at an average of 31.29, which includes one century and four fifties from 18 innings.

His return to the longest format especially for Team India's tour Down Under will be a huge boost as he adds further depth to the batting with his ability to share the load of the pace-bowling attack.

Baroda will open their Ranji Trophy camapign against defending champions Mumbai on October 11. New Zealand's tour of India starts on October 16 while the tour to Australia is scheduled to get underway on November 22.