Hardik Pandya set to play for this team before India return as his comeback date gets announced
Indian Cricket Team all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to make a comeback after three months as he will be featuring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. As per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that he will be playing for Baroda in the game against Punjab on December 2.
Hardik Pandya has been out of action since the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. In the game against Sri Lanka, the premier all-rounder faced a left quadriceps injury and then missed the final as well. He also missed the Australia tour and the South Africa ODIs.
After suffering an injury in the Asia Cup 2025, Hardik Pandya went to the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for rehabilitation and spent a month there from October 21 to November 29. He underwent intense training and then recently got the Return to Play (RTP) clearance.
Hardik Pandya missed the South Africa ODIs as the BCCI wanted him to get completely fit for the T20Is, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner. The T20Is against the Proteas will be great for him to regain his touch at the International level.
National selector Pragyan Ojha to closely monitor Hardik Pandya’s matches for Baroda
The reports also claimed that national selector Pragyan Ojha will be there to attend Baroda’s two games. This comes as the Indian selection committee is on the cusp of revealing the Indian squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa.
The T20I series between India and South Africa will be played from December 9. The two teams are currently locking horns with each other in the three-match ODIs. The first game in ODIs was won by India as they completed a 17-run win.
The return of Hardik Pandya in T20Is will be a big boost for India as they lacked balance in the T20Is against Australia. It remains to be seen how he turns up in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
