Hardik Pandya released, KL Rahul expected to be fit for Mumbai Test

Hardik Pandya, who was included in the Test Squad for ongoing England series, but yet to make his debut has been released from the squad after he sustained an injury while training in Mohali. Pandya sustained an injury on his right shoulder and has been released from the squad to consult a specialist and decide his future course of action.

Opener KL Rahul has also been released from the squad but is being expected to be fit before the Mumbai Test which starts on December 8, 2016. Rahul had sustained an injury on his left forearm. Rahul was included in the team for the second Test replacing Gautam Gambhir, who failed to make a successful comeback and was dropped from the squad for the second test. Parthiv Patel has been called up to replace KL Rahul in the ongoing Test match, who got a Test call-up after 8 years.

MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors said, “Pandya’s pace has increased, he is moving the ball, his batsmanship has improved. He has mellowed down as a person. He is one allrounder we thought is an equally competent bowler and batsman. And a good fielder too.”

“Rahul Dravid has worked hard on the mental side of his game. Now Anil Kumble is guiding him. We have three allrounders – Stuart Binny, Hardik Pandya, Rishi Dhawan. In this particular series, he scores ahead of Binny. Much quicker and better bowler than Stuart. With form and fitness, Hardik is a better option.” Added Prasad.

Pandya had been included in the squad sighting his pace and variation with the ball and his more than useful hand at batting, all of which were on display in the recently concluded India-NZ series, where India clinched victory over NZ 3-2. Pandya excelled with the ball and played two knocks in the series coming lower down the order which showed his batting skills and cool mindset, even when batting with the No. 10.

His ability to move the ball in the air was of particular interest to the selectors, and his recent form led them to include Pandya in the squad ahead of other all-rounders namely, Stuart Binny and Rishi Dhawan. Under the guidance of Rahul Dravid and now Anil Kumble, Pandya has improved his game hugely and his injury is an unfortunate obstacle that delayed his Test debut.