Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's wait for a return to competitive cricket will continue after Baroda left him out of their squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026. His elder brother Krunal Pandya will captain the side in the domestic T20 tournament, which begins on November 14.
The 32-year-old all-rounder has not played competitive cricket since May 24, when he last represented Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. His latest injury setback has raised concerns over his availability for India's upcoming international assignments and preparations for next year's ODI World Cup.
Hardik Pandya was initially named in India A's one-day squad for the home series against Australia A in October. However, he withdrew from the selection after suffering a fresh shin injury. According to Cricinfo, the all-rounder was still experiencing pain while bowling during his rehabilitation.
Hardik has spent considerable time at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since the IPL. He initially reported back spasms during the tournament before suffering a leg strain, further delaying his return.
His last international appearance came in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand. He was also in contention to return during India's recent international assignments but missed out because of his fitness concerns.
India are currently playing an ODI series against New Zealand and will host Sri Lanka for a T20I series in December. Hardik Pandya's availability for the upcoming matches remains uncertain.
Gautam Gambhir Makes India's Fitness Stance Clear Ahead of ODI World Cup
India are keen to bring Hardik Pandya back into the squad as they prepare for next year's ODI World Cup in Africa. However, the team management is not willing to rush his recovery, with player fitness remaining a priority ahead of the global tournament.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has already made India's position clear. While acknowledging the importance of Hardik and Jasprit Bumrah to the team's plans, he stressed that neither player would be rushed back before regaining full fitness.
Gambhir said there was no question of taking either player to the World Cup if they were still "half-cooked".
Hardik's prolonged absence has also created selection challenges for India, particularly when it comes to finding the right balance in the pace-bowling all-rounder department. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been given opportunities across all three formats, while Suryansh Shedge is also being groomed for the role.
Krunal Pandya to Lead Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Krunal Pandya will lead Baroda in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The squad features several experienced domestic players and established Indian names, including wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda and fast bowler Rasikh Salam.
Jitesh and Amit Passi are the two wicketkeeping options, while Hooda adds experience to the batting department. Baroda also have several bowling options, including Atit Sheth, Mahesh Pithiya, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar and Hemant Punde.
Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Bhanu Pania, Parikshit Patidar and Dhruv B. provide further options for the team. Baroda will begin their campaign against Chandigarh in Mumbai on November 14. Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya and Safvan Patel have been named as standbys.
Baroda squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026:
Krunal Pandya (C), Atit Sheth (VC), Deepak Hooda, Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Amit Passi (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Parikshit Patidar, Hemant Punde, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar, Rasikh Salam, Dhruv B.
Standbys: Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya, Safvan Patel.
Also read: Hardik Pandya trade: MI demand two KKR stars, including Gautam Gambhir's main man
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