India is missing a player like Hardik Pandya in Test cricket: Craig McMillan

New Zealand women’s team head coach Craig McMillan has expressed his view that the Indian men’s Test cricket team is missing a crucial element — a seam-bowling all-rounder like Hardik Pandya — especially in overseas conditions where such a player can provide the extra balance needed to win tough matches. In the recently concluded series against England, India tried to fill this gap by giving opportunities to players like Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, both failed to deliver consistently, leaving the team short of options in that role. McMillan pointed out that while India has some of the world’s best spin-bowling all-rounders, the absence of a pace-bowling all-rounder is glaring, particularly when playing in countries where pitches favor seam and swing.

Hardik Pandya’s absence from the Test format has been felt for years now. Having last played a Test in 2018, Pandya’s red-ball career so far consists of just 11 matches, in which he has scored 532 runs at an average of 31.29 and taken 17 wickets at an average of 31.06. These numbers might not appear extraordinary at first glance, but McMillan emphasizes that Pandya’s value lies in the balance he offers to the side. He can contribute a quick 50 down the order, break partnerships with his medium pace, and allow India to field an extra bowler without weakening the batting. In overseas tours, this flexibility can make the difference between victory and defeat.

According to McMillan, India’s strength in Asian conditions lies in their spin all-rounders. Players like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar thrive on turning tracks, and their ability to both bat and bowl is invaluable in the subcontinent. In earlier times, Ravichandran Ashwin also filled that role to great effect. But on pitches in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and England, the requirements change. Here, a fast-bowling all-rounder becomes essential — someone who can contribute 10-15 overs a day at good pace, offer the captain a reliable fourth seam option, and chip in with crucial lower-order runs.

“In Asian conditions, it’s important to have players like Jadeja, Sundar, or in earlier times Ashwin,” McMillan said. “But in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and England, a fast-bowling all-rounder is vital. India is lacking in this department because they don’t have a player like Hardik Pandya, who can bowl medium pace and also bat usefully lower down the order. Look at someone like Ben Stokes for England — his presence is like having two players in one. He gives balance to the side, wins matches single-handedly, and offers tactical flexibility to the captain.”

McMillan’s comments also touched upon leadership within the Indian camp, with special praise for Shubman Gill, who recently took over as India’s Test captain. Leading for the first time in a challenging away series against England, Gill managed to guide India to a 2-2 series draw. McMillan acknowledged that while Gill made some mistakes, this was to be expected from a young captain on his debut assignment in such high-pressure conditions.

He said, “Gill captained brilliantly on the England tour. It was his first series as captain, so making some mistakes is normal. What matters is that he showed leadership qualities, made bold decisions, and kept the team competitive against a strong opponent. These experiences will help him grow. He is an emerging and talented leader, and I believe he is the future captain of India.”

The series result, a hard-fought draw against one of the best Test sides in the world, has left McMillan optimistic about Gill’s leadership potential. He believes that with time, experience, and the right balance in the squad — including the addition of a quality pace-bowling all-rounder — India can once again dominate world cricket both at home and abroad.