'Abe tum Delhi Capitals ko sambhalo' - Fans react as Ricky Ponting believes Hardik Pandya should be included in India's squad for Test Championship final

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 finally came to an end, the focus will now shift towards red-ball cricket as India and Australia will be clashing against each other in the Test Championship final on June 7 at The Oval. India have qualified for the second consecutive time in the mega Test final.

Both teams have already announced their squads, meanwhile, former legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that India should have included star allrounder Hardik Pandya in their team for the Test Championship final in London. Ponting feels that Hardik could have played a decisive role in this match, however, he hasn’t played a Test match since 2018 and kept himself away from the five-day format due to fitness concerns.

“The other really interesting thing that I thought about the other day for India in this game is how valuable someone like Hardik Pandya could be in a one-off Test match. I know he is on record saying that the Test match game is probably a little bit hard on his body. But for a one-off game... he's been bowling every game through this IPL and he's bowling quick. He could be that X-factor there just to pick in a one-off game, come in and see what he can do with bat and ball. He could be the difference between the two teams.”

Taking someone’s place will ethically not go well: Hardik Pandya

Hardik was also asked about whether he is hoping to play in the longest format or not with Test Championship final up ahead. Which, he explained the reason behind him not playing in Tests and said that he wants to earn the spot by proving himself not by taking someone else's place.

“No. I am an ethically very strong person. I haven’t done 10% to reach there. I am not even a part of 1%. So me coming there and taking someone’s place will ethically not go well. If I want to play Test cricket, I’ll go through the grind and earn my spot. Hence, for that reason I will not be available for the Test Championship final or future test series until I feel that I have earned my spot,” Hardik had said.

Here's how fans reacted:

HP is a half cricketer with half fitness, if he can't play test cricket how can he be called a fit cricketer

— I V (@infvoy) May 31, 2023

Fokat ka gyaan dena chhod de gore log 🙏🙏🙏

— PAVANKUMAR (@PAVANKU77378707) May 30, 2023

Of course he'll be x factor for Aussies.

— 👑KOHLI (@ViratSh31838365) May 30, 2023

Punter Bhaiya keh rahe hain to sahi hi keh rahe honge.

— NB (@NB_darkknight) May 30, 2023

Ye buddha India k beech me boht bolta hae

— Hridyansh rai (@RaiHridyansh) May 30, 2023

Shardul is also a good option.

Aur jiske liye test cricket priority hi nahi hai uske baare me baat karna bhi bekar hai

— Abhy (@Abhytwtz) May 30, 2023

Ricky ponting ko bolo Delhi team ko sambhale .. humare India team m kya hoga na hoga wo Rohit aur selectors dekh lenge 🥲

— J_B (@J_B_PANDA) May 30, 2023

Ye bss hrwana chahta h india ko

— maii kal 🇮🇳 (@VastukarMohit) May 30, 2023