Hardik Pandya Set For Baroda Return in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Hardik Pandya was set to make his domestic return with Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before joining India’s ODI squad.

On a major boost for the Indian men’s cricket team, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to play for Baroda in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the three-match ODI series against South Africa. According to a report by The Times of India, Pandya is preparing for his return to international cricket after recovering from a recent injury.

The report stated that Pandya is nearing full match fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. If his progress continues as expected, he could feature in the tournament’s opening match.

Even in the worst-case scenario, the all-rounder is expected to be fit for Baroda’s second game, the report added. The domestic T20 tournament begins on November 26, with Baroda scheduled to play their matches in Hyderabad.

ALSO READ | “Rizwan Made Way for Me”: Shaheen Afridi Opens Up on Pakistan Captaincy Decision

Hardik’s Comeback Plans on Track

According to The Times of India, there will be no break for Pandya, as he will head straight to Hyderabad after receiving clearance from the Centre of Excellence.

India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa will begin on Sunday, November 30. Pandya is likely to play at least one competitive game before returning to national duty.

Pandya has been training rigorously in Bengaluru over the past few weeks and is close to full recovery from the left quadriceps injury he sustained during the Asia Cup clash against Sri Lanka. The injury ruled him out of the final against arch-rivals Pakistan, and he has remained out of competitive cricket since then.

At the Asia Cup, Pandya managed 48 runs in four matches at an average of 16 and claimed four wickets in six games with an economy rate of 8.57.

ALSO READ | Shreyas Iyer Unlikely to Be Fit for South Africa ODIs | Reports

Pandya missed both the ODI and T20I series in Australia but is now on track to make his return for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa.

India will play the three ODIs in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam on November 30, December 3, and December 6 respectively. The series will be followed by a five-match T20I contest starting December 9 in Cuttack.