Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will not play for Baroda in the group stage matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which began on Saturday, December 21, at different venues. However, Hardik Pandya is expected to join the Baroda squad for the knockout stages of the domestic 50-over event.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, have stressed that all players must play in domestic tournaments. Hardik recently played for the Baroda team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he scored 246 runs and took six wickets.
Hardik Pandya will be available for Baroda in knockout matches
The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has confirmed that Hardik Pandya will join the squad for the knockout stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kiran More stated that Pandya had informed them about his participation in the knockouts.
“He will play from the knock-outs, he has informed us,” BCA Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) member Kiran More said, according to Cricbuzz.
Hardik Pandya’s last 50 Over in ODI World Cup 2023
Pandya has not played in any ODI match in the last 14 months. He last played in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup against Bangladesh on 19 October. The all-rounder suffered an ankle injury in that match and was sidelined from competitive cricket. He was instrumental in India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
The Baroda player would take match training ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Andhra pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy is also in the running for the pace-bowling all-rounder’s spot in the Indian team. Nitish has impressed with his all-round performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Let’s hope the team makes it to the knockouts of VHT – Kiran More
Kiran More stated that Hardik Pandya played in all Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches. He pointed out that Baroda reached the semi-finals but lost due to rainy conditions in Bangalore. Most were hoping that the team would make it to the knockouts of the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well.
“He participated in all the SMAT matches and will play in the 50-over as well. Baroda performed well in the SMAT, reaching the semi-finals, which he lost due to wet conditions in Bangalore. Hopefully the team will make it to the VHT knockouts as well,” said Kiran More as per Cricbuzz.
Since his injury, Hardik has played 38 T20 matches in international, IPL and domestic competitions but has not featured in other formats. This has led to speculation that he is only focusing on T20 cricket. His presence will boost the team should they qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Baroda, led by Hardik Pandya’s brother Krunal, are competing in Group E of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Hyderabad alongside the likes of Tripura, Kerala, Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. The knockout rounds will be held in Baroda from January 9, with the final scheduled for January 18.
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