1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev disagrees with Ravi Shastri on Hardik Pandya’s comeback in Test cricket

Former India cricketer turned analyst Ravi Shastri had made remarks about India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s fitness. During the interview last month, the former head coach who worked closely with Hardik Pandya said that his body ‘cannot cope’ with Test cricket. The former right-handed batter went on to say that the Gujarat Titans skipper may lead the nation in white ball after the World Cup.

“His body cannot cope with Test cricket. Let’s be very clear about that. After the World Cup, if his body is fit enough, he should take over captaincy in white-ball cricket. There are seniors ready to be phased out and there are youngsters ready,” Shastri told The Week.

If he has to work hard on his body, he has to work hard: Kapil Dev

Speaking on the same subject, the 1983-winning captain, Kapil Dev, questioned veteran all-rounder Ravi Shastri’s remarks concerning the possibility of Hardik Pandya playing Test cricket again. The 29-year-old all-rounder’s absence from the Indian Test squad had already been noticed several times as injury issues prevented him from playing in the game’s red-ball format.

“Why? I respect his (Shastri’s) statement or thinking, (but) why? Nobody has had more breakdowns than Dennis Lillie. So, I don’t believe that. Human body can come back from any corner, and come back into top condition. If you say, Hardik Pandya, who is such a great athlete, looks so good. If he has to work hard on his body, he has to work hard,” Kapil said during an interview with The Week.

Notably, the Gujarat-born batter made his Test debut against Sri Lanka back in 2017, and his performance in the red ball game proved his place as a valuable player owing to his magnificent form and aggressive batting approach.

The right-handed batter has appeared in 11 Test matches, accumulating 532 runs at an average of 31.3, including his first-ever Test century. The right-arm pacer has also scalped 17 wickets in his Test career, with his best bowling figures of 5/28. In addition, the great all-rounder sustained injuries in the 2018 Asia Cup and has not returned to the red ball game.