INDIA: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has stated that he will not be making a Test return in the World Test Championship final against Australia due to ethical reasons.
India recently qualified for the summit clash after beating Australia 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The final is scheduled to be held at the Oval in London in June.
Pandya, who last played a Test match for India in August 2018, was asked about his potential inclusion in the team for the final during a press conference on Thursday.
However, the all-rounder ruled himself out, saying that it would not be ethical for him to take someone else’s place without having earned his spot in the Test team.
Pandya expressed his desire to go through the grind and earn his spot in the Test team before making a comeback.
“I have a really strong sense of morality. There is still 10% of what I need to do. Not even 1% of people include me. So, it would not be ethical for me to show up and replace someone,” he added.
“I’ll work hard and earn my spot if I want to play Test cricket. I won’t be eligible for the WTC final or any next Test series as a result until I believe that I have earned my spot ,” he concluded.
Pandya, who has captained India in 11 T20Is, will lead the team in the first ODI against Australia. However, he will need the support of senior players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja as he looks to impress as an ODI skipper.
He is expected to take over as the full-time ODI captain in a year’s time. Rohit Sharma will return to lead the Indian team in the second and third ODIs.
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