Ajit Agarkar Questions Hardik Pandya’s Exclusion in Test Cricket

Nov 25, 2017 at 1:26 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Ajit Agarkar Questions Hardik Pandya’s Exclusion in Test Cricket

Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, who believes the ‘best XI’ should feature in the Test format while adding he is wondering why promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya was rested in the Test fold, as of now, in his early days of international career.

“I quite don’t understand why Hardik Pandya has been rested from playing Test cricket,” Agarkar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Ajit Agarkar, Nagpur Test, India XI, Puzzled, Hardik Pandya,
Agarkar has claimed 58 Test wickets with his best bowling of six for 41. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

(Read Also: IND vs SL 2017, 2nd Test, Day 2: Pujara, Vijay Provide India a Solid Start)

Agarkar was also asked for his opinion about the four-bowler strategy for the Nagpur Test, as the five-bowler practice has been a norm which further saw India.

“Maybe, it’s also a reaction to what happened in Kolkata, but the pitch was a bit different. So, I would’ve expected them to play with the five bowlers,” Agarkar remarked.

Agarkar also reflected on the current playing XI while expecting a lot from the team which is ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings.

“Yeah, I don’t understand that with Test cricket, to be honest. I mean, your best XI should play in Test cricket. If you think that’s the best XI… fair enough…,” Agarkar added.

Ajit Agarkar, Nagpur Test, India XI, Puzzled, Hardik Pandya,
In limited-overs cricket, Agarkar bagged 291 wickets. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Agarkar believes Pandya should have been rested for the limited-overs series, in a bid to play a significant part in the five-day format.

“You can easily rest him from One-day cricket and Twenty20 cricket why would you want him to miss the Test cricket,” Agarkar maintained.

On Pandya’s conundrum, the 39-year-old Maharashtra-born former bowler while discussing the playing XI of India, Agarkar further seemed puzzled with the choice of resting the seam-bowling all-rounder, particularly in the Test format.

“Where everyone said he’s the all-rounder that we want to groom and we want him to get better,” Agarkar further added.

However, the 23-year-old Pandya earlier cleared the air by saying he has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give him some time after a lot of tight schedules.

“Get better and playing Test cricket especially with an away tour. And he gives you that balance if he does well with the bat and the ball,” Agarkar asserted.

Moreover, Agarkar explained Pandya has to give his best to improve his game which could be measured by playing the gentleman’s game.

Agarkar hinted off-field exercise are not meant to improve you, but it is the game that plays an imperative role.

“Obviously, he needs a lot of work on his game yet, but there’s no better way to improve than playing the game instead of being in a gym somewhere. So, little bit (of a) surprise (for me),” Agarkar stated.

Ajit Agarkar, Nagpur Test, India XI, Puzzled, Hardik Pandya,
Agarkar represented Mumbai before making it to the national side. Photo Credit: Web.

(Read Further: I Was Desperate To Be The Coach Of The National Side, Says Former India Skipper)

Interestingly, Rohit Sharma has found his place in the second Test, as Agarkar feels it’s a very good opportunity for the batsman — to pay rich dividends in team’s favour.

 “Look, Rohit Sharma is a very good player to be sitting out for too long, it’s his opportunity…,” Agarkar said.

Ajit Agarkar, Nagpur Test, India XI, Puzzled, Hardya Pandya,
In 26 Tests, Agarkar scored 571 runs, as he has also smashed a solitary hundred.

Skipper Virat Kohli had not plenty of choices available before entering into the second Test, as Ishant Sharma was picked in the place of injured paceman Mohammed Shami, as Agarkar further stated picking six batters had that solid reason after Bhuvneshwar tied a not with his fiancée.

 “I think they have just gone and picked the four best bowlers they’ve in the squad. Unfortunately, (Mohammed) Shami got injured (hip niggle), but that’s why they have had to go with six batters,” Agarkar concluded.

VIDEO OF THE DAY:

After making his debut in 1998, Agarkar played 191 One-day Internationals followed by 26 Tests and four Twenty20 Internationals for India in his nine-year-long international career.

Related Article
Sachin Tendulkar Names The ‘Best Series Of His Life’
Sachin Tendulkar Names The ‘Best Series Of His Life’

Nov 16, 2020, 5:32 PM


Struggling Shikhar Dhawan Anticipates Test Return, Boasts About Delhi Capitals’ Batting And Bowling Depth In IPL 2020
Struggling Shikhar Dhawan Anticipates Test Return, Boasts About Delhi Capitals’ Batting And Bowling Depth In IPL 2020

Sep 7, 2020, 2:12 PM


England Vs Pakistan 2020, 3rd Test: James Anderson Becomes First Pacer To Claim 600 Test Wickets
England Vs Pakistan 2020, 3rd Test: James Anderson Becomes First Pacer To Claim 600 Test Wickets

Aug 25, 2020, 9:16 PM


Would Have Liked To Play A Lot More Of Test Cricket: Yuvraj Singh
Would Have Liked To Play A Lot More Of Test Cricket: Yuvraj Singh

Aug 6, 2020, 8:02 PM


Dave Cameron Feels Test Cricket Should Be Optional For Smaller Teams
Dave Cameron Feels Test Cricket Should Be Optional For Smaller Teams

Jul 30, 2020, 10:31 PM


Aakash Chopra Reveals His Top Three Present Test Opening Pairs
Aakash Chopra Reveals His Top Three Present Test Opening Pairs

Jul 30, 2020, 6:58 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner