He is there for a very specific reason: Deep Dasgupta on Hardik Pandya being included in the Test squad

The first Test match of Anthony de Mello Trophy between India and England begins on 5th February at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. India will play at home almost a year later, given that an unprecedented scenario in the form of a COVID-19 pandemic which played spoilsport suspending all events that were subject to public attendance at large scale. In recent times, Hardik Pandya has become one of the finest all-rounders for Team India, but an injury during the 2019 World Cup had put the Baroda all-rounder on the back foot. 

Pandya’s three-dimensional play had taken a pause for some time, it was during the limited-overs series against Australia Down Under, the latter got a chance to bowl. Former cricketer turned commentator Deep Dasgupta opined that there is a specific reason why the 27-year-old is a part of the Test squad for the series against England.

“One of the reasons he (Hardik Pandya)  is there is because there is not much domestic cricket happening right now and whatever has been announced is predominantly white-ball cricket. Hardik becomes very, very important when we start travelling outside,” Deep Dasgupta told Sports Today.

Since the series is to take place on the Indian-subcontinent, there may not be a need for a fast-bowling all-rounder because the team is well equipped with spin-bowling all-rounders as pitches benefit them considerably more reckons former wicketkeeper-batsman Dasgupta.

"At home you might not feel his importance as much because you have a spinning all-rounder in Ashwin, Jadeja will be back, Washington Sundar is in, Axar is there but his importance increased 10 folds when you start travelling,” he said.

Given the stakes are high, and the margins of errors are too less. India wouldn’t be looking to let go of a golden opportunity to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship.

“There is a huge England series coming up, there is a very, very good chance of India qualifying for the World Test Championship finals, that's where I think Hardik will be very important,” Dasgupta added.

On the squad to monitor his progress in terms of bowling capability 

I think his inclusion in the squad is to make sure that his progress is monitored as a bowler. So, I don't think we will see him in the first Test but I think he is there for a very specific reason, to monitor his progress as an all-rounder, as a bowler,” the 43-year-old concluded.