Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 1: India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to make his long-awaited return to competitive cricket, with the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) confirming that he will feature in the team’s upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) fixtures.
Pandya has been out of action since suffering an injury during India’s Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka. The setback ruled him out of the ODI and T20I series against Australia as well as the ongoing 50-over series versus South Africa.
Having now received Return to Play (RTP) clearance, Pandya has completed his rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“After a long gap from cricket, Hardik is going to appear for Baroda and will play the next few Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for us,” a BCA official told reporters.
Baroda will take on Punjab on Tuesday, followed by matches against Gujarat and Haryana later in the week. Hardik will join a side led by his brother Krunal Pandya and will look to deliver impactful performances with both bat and ball as he eyes a spot in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
Baroda began their SMAT campaign with losses to Bengal and Puducherry but bounced back with a win over Himachal Pradesh.
National selector Pragyan Ojha has been tasked with monitoring Hardik’s performances during the tournament, with the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel set to take a final call on his inclusion for the South Africa T20Is.
India’s five-match T20I series against the Proteas begins on December 9, with squad announcements expected soon.