Overview
- Former India batter Robin Uthappa publicly called for Hardik Pandya to resume red-ball cricket and reclaim the No. 7 role.
- He said the BCCI would not block a comeback if Pandya demonstrates fitness, though neither Pandya nor the board has announced any plans.
- Uthappa argued the workload is feasible, suggesting Pandya could bowl 12–15 overs per innings and noting Nitish Kumar Reddy’s current spells are around 12 overs, with Shardul Thakur and Harshit Rana also considered.
- He voiced concern over India’s seam depth beyond Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, describing Prasidh Krishna’s Test impact as only in patches.
- Pandya has not played Tests since 2018 due to a back injury and owns 11 caps with 532 runs and 17 wickets, and Uthappa framed a return as a chance to chase a World Test Championship title.