Hardik Pandya’s selection in the 15-man squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand has raised quite a lot of eyebrows. Still a newbie in the domestic circuit, the Baroda all-rounder has not a lot to show from his first-class career to stake a claim in the Test team. So far, he has played 16 first-class games scoring 727 runs at an average of 27.96 and taking 22 wickets at 33.72.

The stats are definitely not very impressive but it seems that the selectors are willing to give the rising all-rounder a long run at the highest level of the game. Ever since the retirement of Kapil Dev, India has not been able to replace him and Pandya has been tipped by many as the potential candidate to become a good all-rounder.

When the chairman of the selection committee, MSK Prasad was asked about what made them pick Pandya in the Test squad, he said: “We all know he is a bit hyper. But he has worked hard under Rahul Dravid and under chief coach Anil Kumble.”

Praising the 23-year old for his good showing in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand, Prasad said: “If you look at Hardik Pandya, his pace has increased. His overall personality has mellowed down. He did extremely well in the ODI series and also during the A tour Down Under.”

The selection committee chief said that with the player’s inclusion in the team was also influenced by the fact that the team has been desperate to find a quality all-rounder from a long time.

Prasad said: “We all have been trying to find an all-rounder after Kapil Dev. In case we play three spinners, he can be the second seamer and also can bat.”

The first match of the Test series will be played from November 9 at Rajkot.