ENG vs IND 2022: India should have included Hardik Pandya in Test squad – Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh reckons Hardik Pandya should have been included in the Test squad. Singh feels the all-rounder would have added value to the Indian team for the rescheduled Test match against England.

Pandya is also in good form with the bat and had done a fine job for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Pandya amassed 487 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 44.27 and scored his runs at a strike rate of 131.27 in Tata IPL 2022.

Furthermore, he had also proved his bowling fitness but he didn’t bowl in all the matches, and thus there would have been doubts if he could have bowled 12-15 overs in a day in the Test match, given he was selected.

India is expected to back Shardul Thakur as a seam-bowling all-rounder as he has done a good job so far. Pandya, on the other hand, had recently led India in two-match T20I series against Ireland.

In fact, Pandya had last played a Test match in 2018 against England but since then he hasn’t been part of India’s Test squad.

Harbhajan Singh said while talking to Sportskeeda, “I feel India should have included Hardik Pandya. It’s only one match and seamers are expected to do well in England. Yes, Shardul Thakur has done a good job but if Hardik Pandya is there in the team, it would be really good. The batting then gets a big boost and the bowling department also gets some cover.”

Meanwhile, India will have their work cut out against an in-form England team, which defeated Test champions New Zealand by 3-0. The Turbanator reckons India has the talent to beat England and win the series.

“It’s a big game without doubt. England have a new team led by Ben Stokes. But, they have a lot to prove. On the other hand, India have a great chance to win a series in England after many years. India have the talent to win this match. It will be a big series win, if they achieve it.”

The rescheduled Test match will take place at Edgbaston, Birmingham from Friday.