Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not been able to perform the dual role since his back surgery a few months ago and has made his return to IPL and international cricket as a pure batsman.
While he did extremely well in limited-overs cricket, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag believes that Pandya can make it to the Test team when he will be able to bowl as well.
Hardik Pandya was the highest run-getter for Team India in the ODI series and also won the Man of the Series in the T20I series. However, he bowled just 4 overs, all of it in a single game.
Sehwag told on Sony Sports Network, "If he was bowling, then he would have been a part of the Test team. It is possible Hardik Pandya might have told the selectors not to consider him for the Test matches as he is not bowling fit and that he will only play in the ODIs and T20Is and that he will join back his family."
Sehwag is aware of the impact that Hardik could create if he scores quick runs in Test cricket batting at No. 6 or 7 just like he does in the limited-overs formats.
"But no doubt when he starts bowling, he will be a crucial part of the Test team. Because of the manner in which he bats in ODI cricket or T20Is, imagine if he starts scoring those quick runs at No.6 or No.7 in Test cricket, India will be in a good position to win Test matches," he added.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times)
