Hardik Pandya set to return for Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after BCCI Directive

Hyderabad – India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is ready to return to domestic cricket after months of injury rehabilitation. He becomes the second senior cricketer, after former captain Rohit Sharma, to follow the BCCI’s directive that mandates players to feature in domestic tournaments before national selection.

According to a Times of India report, Pandya will represent Baroda in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later this month. His comeback follows Rohit’s reported decision to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy under the same rule. However, the Mumbai Cricket Association has yet to confirm Rohit’s participation. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, remains in London with his family and has not made any move toward domestic cricket.

Pandya, 32, has been training rigorously at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Sources said he has nearly regained full match fitness. If his progress continues smoothly, he could play Baroda’s opening fixture in Hyderabad on November 26. Even if delayed, he is expected to feature in the team’s second game.

The dynamic all-rounder has been out since sustaining a left quadricep injury during India’s Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka. The injury ruled him out of the final against Pakistan and the Australia series that followed. Since then, Pandya has focused on conditioning and strength training under the BCCI’s supervision to prepare for his competitive return.

Once he receives his “Return to Play” clearance from the Centre of Excellence, Pandya will travel directly to Hyderabad to join the Baroda squad. Selectors want him to get match-ready before India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa starting later this month.

India will face South Africa in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam on November 30, December 3, and December 6, respectively. After the ODIs, India will play a five-match T20I series starting December 9 in Cuttack.

If all goes as planned, Pandya will play at least one Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game before wearing the India jersey again. His return will strengthen India’s middle order and all-round balance ahead of the packed home season.

BCCI officials see this move as crucial to maintaining the domestic cricket ecosystem and ensuring match fitness among top players. With senior stars like Rohit and Pandya returning to domestic action, the board aims to set a clear precedent — that every player must earn selection through form and fitness in competitive cricket.

Pandya’s comeback also offers Baroda a major boost in both morale and performance. Fans are eager to see the all-rounder back in action after nearly three months, ready to prove his fitness and reclaim his spot in India’s white-ball setup.