Will Hardik Pandya make his Test return in England?

Hardik Pandya continues to rise the ranks as an Indian all-rounder with each passing game. Although he has represented the side across formats, he is currently being utilised in the limited-overs circuit. However, the side does have plans for him in the longest format.

<p>Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to dominate for Team India, especially in the limited-overs department. However, his limited usage of late makes fans wonder if it is hurting India in the long run.</p>

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to dominate for Team India, especially in the limited-overs department. However, his limited usage of late makes fans wonder if it is hurting India in the long run.

<p>In the continuing One-Day International series against England, Pandya has solely been utilised as a batsman in the two games so far. Although it is not sure if he would indeed be able to bowl in the deciding match on Sunday, critics and experts feel that he showed be given some chance.</p>

In the continuing One-Day International series against England, Pandya has solely been utilised as a batsman in the two games so far. Although it is not sure if he would indeed be able to bowl in the deciding match on Sunday, critics and experts feel that he showed be given some chance.

<p>Meanwhile, skipper Virat Kohli feels that his workload management is the utmost priority for the side, as they have big plans for him. "We need to manage his body. Need to understand where we need this skill set. We did utilise him in the T20Is, but in the ODIs, it's about managing his workload. We have Test cricket in England coming up too. So, it's important for us to have him fit," Kohli said after the second ODI loss.</p>

Meanwhile, skipper Virat Kohli feels that his workload management is the utmost priority for the side, as they have big plans for him. "We need to manage his body. Need to understand where we need this skill set. We did utilise him in the T20Is, but in the ODIs, it's about managing his workload. We have Test cricket in England coming up too. So, it's important for us to have him fit," Kohli said after the second ODI loss.

<p>It is also to be noted that Pandya is coming off a long injury layoff, as he had to undergo major surgery for his back. Although he has recovered completely and is cleared to resume bowling full-time, team management feels that he should not be risked with a high workload.</p>

It is also to be noted that Pandya is coming off a long injury layoff, as he had to undergo major surgery for his back. Although he has recovered completely and is cleared to resume bowling full-time, team management feels that he should not be risked with a high workload.

<p>Notably, Pandya did not feature in the four-Test series playing XI against England before the limited-overs encounters. However, it seems like the team management has plans for him going ahead, as it is being contemplated that he could be back in the Test fray during the upcoming five-Test series in England in August.</p>

Notably, Pandya did not feature in the four-Test series playing XI against England before the limited-overs encounters. However, it seems like the team management has plans for him going ahead, as it is being contemplated that he could be back in the Test fray during the upcoming five-Test series in England in August.

<p>As for Pandya's performance in the longest format, it has been decent. With the bat, he has scored 532 runs in 18 innings at a subtle average of 31.29, including four half-centuries and a ton. He has claimed 17 wickets in 19 innings at an average of 31.06, including a fifer.</p>

As for Pandya's performance in the longest format, it has been decent. With the bat, he has scored 532 runs in 18 innings at a subtle average of 31.29, including four half-centuries and a ton. He has claimed 17 wickets in 19 innings at an average of 31.06, including a fifer.