Hardik Clears Fitness Test, Returns for SMAT Before South Africa Series | Reports

Hardik Pandya will return to action for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy(SMAT) after completing 42 days of rehab to prepare for the South Africa T20I series.

Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to return competitive cricket after completing more than a month of rehabilitation. He will represent Baroda in three Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy(SMAT) matches as preparation for the T20I series against South Africa starting December 9. According to reports from The Times of India, Pandya received Return to Play clearance and left the BCCI Centre of Excellence on November 29 to join Baroda’s squad in Hyderabad for games on December 2, 4 and 6.

Pandya began his recovery program on October 14 following a left quadricep assessment and has trained extensively for his white-ball comeback. Baroda head coach Mukund Parmar expects Pandya to feature in most of the remaining fixtures.

“He hasn’t yet joined the squad, but we expect him to play the majority of the games. His presence always provides a big boost to the squad,” Parmar said while speaking to PTI earlier this week.

Hardik Pandya Completes 42-Day Rehab

Notably, Hardik Pandya completed 42 days of intensive rehabilitation, with a short break during Diwali, before receiving clearance to return. He was initially expected to feature in the ODIs against South Africa on November 30, but the management opted to reintroduce him through the shorter format.

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Pandya last played in the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka two months ago and has since missed tours of Australia and South Africa. He remains central to India’s white-ball plans, with the focus on preparing him for next year’s T20 World Cup.