Former New Zealand all-rounder Craig McMillan wants Team India to utilise Hardik Pandya’s all-round prowess in Tests. Hardik is a vital figure for India in limited-over formats. He made crucial all-round contributions
to India’s success in T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. His ability to deliver to the team in all departments of the game makes him one of the best all-rounders in international cricket. Hardik was active for Team India in red-ball cricket as well from 2017 to 2018. However, after India’s unsuccessful Test tour of England tour in 2018, he didn’t feature in cricket’s longest format again.
The reason for his absence from India’s red-ball squad is his fitness. However, McMillan believes that Team India miss Pandya’s services in Tests, played in Australia and England, where a fast-bowling all-rounder holds utmost importance in contests. "In New Zealand, Australia and England, you need a fast-bowling all-rounder. It is where India are missing a player like Hardik Pandya who can bowl medium pace and bat lower down the order," said McMillan in a chat with Times of India (TOI).
Craig McMillan hailed Shubman Gill’s captaincy skills
Craig McMillan praised Shubman Gill’s leadership skills in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. The former Kiwi player mentioned that Gill made some mistakes as a skipper but also cut him some slack as it was the 25-year-old’s maiden series while handling the huge responsibility. "He looks a good captain. The first series is very tough. In such a pressure-cooked series, he probably made a few mistakes. But you expect those in his first series. He will get better with experience. He is the future, so India will invest in him. He will get to know his team's game, which I think is really important, and the style of play," added McMillan.
India’s next Test assignment is at home against West Indies in October 2025. Against the Caribbean side, Gill and his men will compete in two Tests. India will play their maiden red-ball competition in their backyard after getting white-washed by New Zealand in the three-match Test series at home in November 2024.
