Hardik Pandya's long absence from competitive cricket will stretch into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after he was left out of Baroda's 15-member squad for the domestic T20 tournament.
Hardik, who last played on 24 May during an IPL 2026 match for Mumbai Indians, was not included when Baroda named their squad. His brother Krunal Pandya will lead the side, which also features Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda and Rasikh Salam.
A long road back from injury
The all-rounder was named in the India A one-day squad for the home series against Australia A in October, but was withdrawn after suffering a fresh shin injury. At the time, it was reported that he was not pain-free while bowling. He has spent much of his time since the IPL at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, initially for back spasms suffered during the IPL and then a leg strain.
His last international appearance came in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, before the IPL.
Gambhir: no “half-cooked” World Cup return
With India playing T20Is at home against Sri Lanka in December and the ODI World Cup in Africa next year, the team management will want their premier short-format all-rounder back in the mix as soon as possible. But head coach Gautam Gambhir has already made it clear there is no question of taking Hardik — or Jasprit Bumrah — to the World Cup “half-cooked”.
Baroda's campaign starts 14 November
Baroda begin their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign against Chandigarh in Mumbai on 14 November.
Source: ESPNcricinfo