Robin Uthappa Urges Hardik Pandya to Make Test Comeback

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has called on Hardik Pandya to consider a return to Test cricket, emphasizing the potential impact of his batting at number 7. Uthappa believes that if Pandya is fit and willing to play, the BCCI would support his comeback. With Pandya's last Test appearance in 2018 due to injury, Uthappa discusses the importance of fitness and the aspirations Pandya holds for winning the World Test Championship. This article delves into Pandya's career stats and the current landscape of Indian cricket's all-rounder options.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 30, 2025, 16:26 IST

Uthappa Advocates for Pandya's Return to Test Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has encouraged star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to return to Test cricket, suggesting that it would be "fantastic" if he bats at number 7. Uthappa believes that if Pandya is fit and eager to play, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would not stand in his way. Pandya last participated in Test matches in 2018, and since then, he has been sidelined from the red-ball format due to a back injury. As a result of Pandya's absence from Test cricket, India is focusing more on fast-bowling all-rounder options, with Nitish Reddy and Shardul Thakur being prominent candidates.

Pandya's Test Career Stats

Hardik Pandya has played 11 Test matches for India, scoring 532 runs at an average of 31.29, which includes one century and four half-centuries. He has also taken 17 wickets at an average of 31.05. Uthappa mentioned on his YouTube channel that if Pandya decides to return to Test cricket at number 7, it would be remarkable. He emphasized that anything is possible in cricket and advised against saying 'no' to opportunities. If Pandya expresses a desire to play and aims to win the World Test Championship (WTC), Uthappa doubts the BCCI would refuse him.

Fitness and Bowling Concerns

Uthappa further noted that the board likely wants Pandya to demonstrate his fitness. He questioned whether the all-rounder can bowl 20 overs, pointing out that Nitish Kumar is currently bowling only 12 overs. Uthappa believes that if Pandya is fit enough to bowl and bat as he currently does, he could manage the demands of Test cricket. Ultimately, the decision lies with Pandya himself.

Pandya's Ambitions in Cricket

The former cricketer also highlighted Pandya's achievements, mentioning that he has won several ICC championships, including the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. Uthappa expressed that Pandya aspires to win the ICC World Test Championship as well, which would complete a grand slam in his career. He posed the question of which cricketer wouldn't want to achieve such milestones for their country, noting that Pandya is already halfway to that goal.