World test championship: Hardik Pandya won’t be a part of final

The stand-in captain in India’s ODI series against Australia, Hardik Pandya, has revealed that he won’t be taking part in the World Test Championship final. Since September 2018, Pandya has not played Test cricket for India.

He has been limited to playing only white-ball cricket due to constant injuries especially his back injury. However, as he was qualified for the World Test Championship, he was asked to be a part of the game ahead of the first ODI against Australia. Though Pandya’s presence does give the national team an edge especially due to the absence of the Pant.

According to the statement given by the ICC, when he was asked whether he would be returning, Pandya stated, “No, to be honest. In my life, I am extremely ethical. I didn’t do 10% to get there. I am not even in the top 1%. So coming there and taking someone’s place will not sit well with me ethically.”

He further added, “If I want to play Test cricket, I will go through the grind, I will earn my position and then come back. For that reason, to be very honest, I will not be available or play the World Test Championship Final, or any future test matches until I feel that I have earned my spot.”

The first game of the ODI series against Australia will be Hardik’s first as captain of India in the 50-over format, though he has previously led the side in T20Is. India will be without Rohit Sharma for the first game of the series, but the regular captain is expected to return for the next two.