Overview
- Robin Uthappa said it would be “wonderful” to see Pandya back at No. 7 in Tests, calling the move realistic given his current form.
- Uthappa asserted the BCCI would not block a comeback if Pandya wants to play and can demonstrate sustained fitness.
- Pandya last featured in Tests in 2018 after stepping away over a recurring back injury, having scored 532 runs and taken 17 wickets in 11 matches.
- India have cycled through pace‑all‑round options such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana, with Uthappa also flagging thin seam depth beyond Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
- Multiple reports indicate Pandya is likely to be rested for New Zealand ODIs but expected for the T20Is as part of workload management ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, with no formal Test plans announced.