5 reasons why Hardik Pandya should bat at No. 6 in Tests

#4 His batting takes precedence over his bowling

Pandya is considered a batting all-rounder

With bits-and-pieces cricketers emerging on the scene due to the advent of T20 cricket, the question remains whether they are better with the bat or the ball. A crucial 30 might be good enough in T20s but the story changes completely when you move to Test cricket.

What is heartening to see, however, is the fact that many cricketers like Pandya are making a successful transition to the longest format of the game. If Pandya’s batting and bowling abilities are evaluated, it is clear that he is more of a batting all-rounder.

The fact that he can bowl medium fast is obviously what works in his favour since India have always been short of genuine fast-bowling all-rounders. But on subcontinent pitches in Test cricket, Pandya will always be the third seaming option.

Since he is in the team to mainly strengthen the batting he must be allowed to do more with the bat. It thus becomes crucial to give him an opportunity at no. 6.