Hardik Pandya Must Return to Test Cricket, Says Robin Uthappa

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa has strongly backed star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to make a return to Test cricket, stating that it would be "wonderful" if the 31-year-old slots back into the No. 7 position in the longest format. Speaking on his YouTube channel on December 30, 2025, Uthappa expressed confidence that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would not stand in Pandya's way if he is fully fit and expresses a keen desire to play. Hardik has not featured in a Test match since 2018, largely due to recurring back injuries that forced him to step away from red-ball cricket.

Pandya has played 11 Tests for India, scoring 532 runs at an average of 31.29, including one century and four half-centuries, while also taking 17 wickets at an average of 31.05. Uthappa highlighted the current scarcity of genuine fast-bowling all-rounders in the Indian Test setup, noting that the team has experimented with options like Nitish Reddy and Shardul Thakur. He believes Pandya, with his improved fitness and bowling workload, could manage 12-15 overs per innings effectively. "If Hardik says he wants to play and wants to win the World Test Championship, I don't think the BCCI would say no," Uthappa remarked, adding that the board is likely asking him to prove his fitness first.

Uthappa further emphasized the motivational aspect of a Test comeback for Pandya, pointing out that the all-rounder has already won multiple ICC trophies, including the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. A World Test Championship (WTC) title would complete a grand slam of ICC honors for India. "He's won multiple ICC world championships right now... He wants to win the ICC World Test Championship; also, then that's the whole grand slam, right? Which cricketer wouldn't want to do that for his country?" Uthappa asked rhetorically.

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The discussion also touched on India's current pace-bowling options in Tests, where Uthappa named Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the standout performers. He praised Prasidh Krishna for his efforts but felt there is still room for improvement in consistency and effectiveness, particularly in the longer format where wicket-taking ability often outweighs economy rate. Uthappa acknowledged the evolving nature of Test cricket, where going for runs in pursuit of wickets has become more acceptable.

As India continues its search for a reliable all-rounder to complement the pace attack in Tests, Uthappa's endorsement adds weight to the growing calls for Hardik Pandya's return. With the WTC cycle in progress and upcoming series on the horizon, any decision on Pandya's red-ball comeback will hinge on his fitness clearance and willingness to commit to the demanding format. Fans and experts alike will watch closely to see if the all-rounder decides to step back into the longest format and chase one of the few major accolades still missing from his resume.

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