Despite Hardik Pandya’s stellar batting performance in the white-ball series against Australia, India skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday (December 8) made it clear that the all-rounder won’t be considered for Test cricket unless he starts bowling regularly.

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Pandya registered the scores of 90, 28 and 92* in three ODIs while he made 78 runs in three T20Is, including a match-winning knock of 42 not out in 22 balls in the second game, which helped India to seal the series.

“Hardik couldn’t bowl and we knew he will not be able to bowl but we saw in the IPL the headspace that he has been. But Test cricket is a different challenge and we need him to bowl,” Kohli said at the post-match press conference, as quoted by PTI.

“We have spoken about it. He is one guy who brings in a lot of balance for us in overseas conditions like South Africa, England. We were able to compete for longer periods of time and he adds a lot of balance in terms of his bowling,” he continued.

According to the captain, Pandya is getting into the zone where he would like to perform in all formats of the game.

“He is definitely in a zone where he wants to perform for India in all three disciplines. That’s always been his ‘X-factor’. In white ball cricket, we found some one who can finish games consistently,” he said.

However, Kohli added that even Pandya realises he needs to get back to peak bowling form.

“He himself wants to get back into the bowling space and make sure he is available in Tests because it becomes way more important for five days, that little bit extra.

“He understands that he has to come back the fittest he is able to,” Kohli remarked.

(With PTI inputs)