Hardik Pandya cleared to play for Baroda in SMAT
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will represent Baroda in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India's premier domestic T20 tournament. This will be his first professional appearance since late September this year. According to ESPNcricinfo, chief selector Pragyan Ojha is likely to oversee Baroda's fixtures against Punjab and Gujarat on December 2 and 4, respectively. This is to assess the match fitness of Hardik, who had suffered a left quadricep injury.
Rehabilitation journey post-injury
Hardik last played for India during the 2025 T20 Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka on September 26. He has since been recovering from a left quadricep injury. The all-rounder began his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on October 15. After a three-day Diwali break, he continued his fitness training there until November 29.
Participation hinges on T20I squad announcement
Hardik's participation for Baroda in the tournament also depends on the BCCI selectors announcing the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa at home. As per ESPNcricinfo, the selectors are likely to announce the squad in a few days. If Hardik is selected and joins India's preparation camp, it may affect his further participation in SMAT with Baroda.
Baroda's performance in SMAT so far
Baroda have had a mixed run in the ongoing SMAT. They lost their opening matches against Bengal and Puducherry. However, they made a comeback by winning against Himachal Pradesh. The team's performance will be crucial as Hardik makes his return to professional cricket after an injury layoff. Hardik, India's most prolific seam-bowling all-rounder at present, has over 5,600 runs and 200 wickets in T20 cricket. He has 1,860 runs and 98 wickets in T20 Internationals.