No Hardik Pandya in Baroda squad for SMAT 2026: Details
What's the story
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been left out of the Baroda squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's premier domestic T20 tournament. The decision comes after a long injury layoff for Pandya, who last played a competitive match on May 24 during IPL 2026 while representing Mumbai Indians. His brother Krunal will captain the Baroda team in this tournament.
Injury struggles
Pandya's prolonged injury layoff
Pandya has been struggling with a series of injuries, which have kept him away from competitive cricket for months.
He was included in India A's ODI squad for a home series against Australia A in October but had to withdraw due to a new shin injury.
At the time, Cricinfo reported that he was still feeling pain while bowling.
Recovery process
Extended stay at BCCI's CoE
Since his IPL stint, Pandya has spent a large chunk of his time at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
His initial visit was due to back spasms sustained during the IPL, but later it was a leg strain that kept him there.
His last international appearance was in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand prior to this IPL season.
Team strategy
Concerns over Pandya's fitness ahead of World Cup
Despite his absence, Team India is currently playing an ODI series against New Zealand and will play T20Is against Sri Lanka at home in December.
The head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed the importance of having players like Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah fit for the ODI World Cup in Africa next year.
However, he also emphasized that they shouldn't be rushed into action before being completely fit.