Hardik Pandya Clear To Play SMAT 2025 Ahead of India T20Is vs SA: Report

Hardik Pandya has cleared all fitness tests and is set for a comeback in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Shubman Gill’s participation in the South Africa T20Is remains uncertain pending NCA evaluation.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is fully fit and ready to return to competitive cricket. He is expected to make his comeback in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda. Following that, he is almost certain to be selected for India’s five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9.

Pandya has been recovering from a quadriceps injury he suffered during the Asia Cup in September. He underwent an intensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, which he has now successfully completed.

A source informed PTI: “From October 21 to November 30, Hardik didn’t even move out of the COE and completed his full rehab and ‘Return To Play’ protocols. As of now, he has been given the all clear — to bat and bowl in T20Is — and he has already linked up with the Baroda team for the Punjab game. He will play on December 4 vs Gujarat and if the Indian team management doesn’t summon him earlier, then he plans to play the December 6 game against Haryana also.”

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill is set to undergo a full evaluation at the NCA. He has been sidelined since suffering a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. His availability for the T20I series remains uncertain.

The source added about Gill’s recovery: “Gill was administered an injection and advised 21 days of rest and rehabilitation, which included specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the injured area. Obviously, the sports science team would go through all his mandatory fitness tests before he starts the skills training. Nothing can be said unless the sports science team assesses his movements during skills training and whether he is having zero discomfort while batting.”