'I know the language of hard work'- Hardik Pandya's cryptic answer when asked about comeback in Test format

Hardik Pandya, once seen as a hot-headed youngster has swiftly changed into a cold, clever, and calculative mastermind. In his first-ever stint as captain, the all-rounder took Gujarat to the Indian T20 League victory in their debut season.

His leadership endeavours have landed him captaincy of the national team now and he would be looking ahead to make the post permanent. Pandya is currently gearing up to lead Team India against Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series from January 3^rd. He has also been handed over the vice-captaincy role for the ODIs under Rohit Sharma.

While Pandya is excelling in white ball cricket, it is the Red ball that is proving to be a different gravy for the player. The 29-year-old hasn’t played a Test match since 2018 due to poor form and a recurring back injury that has kept derailing his Test career.

Pandya took a long break from cricket and managed to overcome the back injury and is not fit as ever. Since his comeback, the player has performed admirably in major tournaments and has won India some games single-handedly.

While the confidence of the player and the management continues to grow, many fans are expecting a return of the player into the longest format. When a reporter asked the same question to the Pandya, he came up with a cryptic answer.

“Let me first fully be on Blues (ODIs and T20Is) and then I will see about the whites (Tests).”

Injuries are a part of the game- Pandya

When suggested that he must be looking at his increased workload already, Pandya said that he understood the ‘language of hard work’ and is ready to give it his all for two major world events in the next 18 months.

“I know the language of hard work. I don’t think I know any other language in my life. I’ve been thrown to the deep end and the only thing that has got me back is my hard work. Keep working hard and make sure I look after my body, which I do, “said India’s T20I captain.

“Injuries are a part of the game and I can’t change that. I am very confident of what I’ve done and believe in the process that has brought me here. Going forward, I just want to give my body ample chances to be out there and play my best,” added Pandya.