Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya has begun preparations for next month’s T20I series against Bangladesh, but it was his red-ball practice that caught the attention of fans. Ahead of the three-match T20I series in October, India will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting on September 19. Despite Pandya not being named in India’s Test squad or the ongoing Duleep Trophy, his red-ball practice has sparked speculation about a potential return to the longest format, which he hasn’t played since September 2018.
Pandya, who has played 11 Tests, remains a key figure in India’s white-ball setup, with 1,769 runs and 84 wickets in 86 ODIs, and 1,523 runs and 86 wickets in 102 T20Is. He was pivotal in India’s T20 World Cup victory in June, bowling a crucial final over against South Africa. While he was a strong candidate for India’s T20I captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format, Suryakumar Yadav was ultimately chosen.
India’s T20I series against Bangladesh will be held on October 6, 9, and 12, with matches in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad, where Pandya is expected to play a crucial role for the team.