Hardik Pandya hasn't played any red-ball cricket since 2018.
Pandya bowling with the red cherry sparked widespread interest on social media when the 30-year-old shared a series of stories on Instagram. Notably, Hardik Pandya has not played red ball cricket since injuring his back and undergoing surgery for it in 2019. His last Test for India was against England on the 2018 tour.
He was asked to play in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, but he declined, citing that he did not want to take the place of a regular red-ball player.
The films released on social media indicate that the all-rounder is attempting to increase his workload ahead of the Bangladesh T20 series in October, but he has yet to inform the team management of his plans for red-ball cricket.
Since the World Cup final in June, Pandya has played two competitive games, both in the T20 format against Sri Lanka.
"It's heartening to know that Hardik is bowling with red ball but has he spoken to men who matter (chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma) about his intentions?," a senior BCCI source told PTI.
It is anticipated that if he does not play any domestic red-ball cricket, he will not be directly selected for Test cricket, despite his ability to provide the necessary balance in Australia as the fourth bowler and No.7 hitter.
After missing the Duleep Trophy owing to workload management, it will be intriguing to see whether he plays red-ball cricket for Baroda.
However, seeing Hardik Pandya bowling with a red ball, Indian cricket fans got excited imagining his return to red-ball cricket and showed their excitement on social media.
Here are the few posts: