Pandya hasn’t played Test cricket for India since August 2018.
While Pandya made a successful comeback to white-ball cricket after going through a back surgery in 2019, he hasn’t played Test cricket for India since August 2018.
“If his body can handle the rigors of Test cricket then absolutely. He has got incredible skills even with his batting alone. He has got a very sound batting technique. Yes, he is a power-hitter of the ball but everyone has seen him move up the batting order in T20 cricket, batting at No.4 for Gujarat Lions,” said Watson while speaking to Hindustan Times.
According to Watson, Hardik Pandya has the game to perform in Tests, citing that he can contribute with the bat and can also swing the brand new ball away from the openers.
“Even in ODIs, he is not just a power-hitter. So from just batting perspective, he has got the game to perform in Test cricket. Bowling wise, if he is fit he charges in and he has got great skill. He can swing the brand new ball away and he would provide a huge impact for the Indian Test team,” he added.
Watson wants to see Pandya push the limits as an all-rounder since he is one of the special talents in world cricket.
“For me it eventually comes down to his body and whether it can handle the rigours of playing Test cricket as a fast-bowling all-rounder. I would love to see him push the limits as an all-rounder and cricketer when it comes to playing all formats of the game because he is one of the special talents in world cricket,” he stated.
Hardik Pandya will be seen in action during India’s three-match ODI series against Australia, starting March 17 in Mumbai.