Keen on comeback, Hardik Pandya tests red-ball fitness

Pandya had picked up the injury during India's Asia Cup campaign, and has been out since, missing India's home series against the Windies and the Twenty20 Internationals against Australia on the ongoing tour. He has already missed the first couple of Tests, but could be in with a chance to make a late entry in the four-match series if he performs well in the Ranji Trophy match for Baroda against Mumbai.

Pandya had initially been drafted in to play for India A in the one-day series against New Zealand A, but the all-rounder said it made sense for him to play long-form cricket since the One-Day Internationals against Australia are only later.

"If I am playing a Test match, I should play a four-day game (rather) than one-day," Hardik told Times Now on Thursday. "Because one-day is later on. I am focusing right now that if I can make it to the team, because there is scope of me making a comeback into the Test team, if I am fit to play a Test match. That's why I wanted to take my time and see where exactly I stand in Ranji Trophy.

"Playing a Test match is a different league. The workload goes very high, so I wanted to see if I can manage the workload. I knew I would get enough match preparation before the Australia ODIs. Therefore I focused on playing Ranji Trophy."

The second Test against Australia began in Perth on Friday. The next Test will be played from 26 December (Boxing Day) in Melbourne before the New Year's Test in Sydney. If Pandya proves his fitness, he could be a surprise addition to the side.

"Before I go for any major series, I wanted to see where exactly I stand," Hardik said. "Ranji Trophy is the best domestic tournament. I wanted to check my fitness levels there, and then take a call about how I am feeling and what should be the next step. Right now, I am only focusing on the Ranji Trophy and then obviously, I want to get back to the team as soon as possible, because it's difficult to stay away for so long."