Former India international Robin Uthappa suggested some changes in the Test team of India. Uthappa said that Hardik Pandya can play a vital role in that format too, mainly because of his batting. The former cricketer believed that the star all-rounder now has enough fitness to deliver with the ball as well in the longest format of the game.

During a recent conversation, Robin Uthappa paid attention to the capabilities of Hardik Pandya. As a middle-order batter, he has served the team India in the limited-overs format brilliantly. With the swashbuckling batting style, Pandya single-handedly shifted momentum in multiple matches. Recently, he was in terrific form with the bat during the India vs South Africa T20I series. Also in the Asia Cup 2025, where India successfully defended their title, Pandya played a significant role.

Uthappa believes that if Hardik comes to bat at number 7 in Tests, it can work as an x-factor for the team. Because of Pandya's unpredictable batting style, Uthappa suggested the board take a punt on him.

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"If Hardik Pandya returns to the No. 7 spot in Tests, it would be wonderful. The way he’s playing. Anything can happen; it’s cricket. Never say never. If Hardik decides to play Test cricket, will BCCI ask him not to play? If he says he wants to play and wants to win the World Test Championship (WTC), I don’t think they would say no," Robin Uthappa said.

Hardik Pandya set to return in Tests?

"I think they are asking him to prove his fitness. Are all-rounders bowling 20 overs? Nitish Kumar is not bowling that much. He’s bowling 12 overs. If he’s to bowl 12-15 overs per innings, I think he can do it the way he’s fit now, the way he’s bowling and batting. It’s his own decision."

Pandya was active in the Test during the 2017-18 season. During this time span, he scored 532 in 11 matches at an average of 31.29. In those 11 matches, he registered one century and four 50s as well.