Hardik Pandya set to make comeback in SMAT 2025: Report
What's the story
Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to make his much-awaited return from injury during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT). The tournament will be held across four venues in India, starting Wednesday. Pandya has been out of competitive cricket since suffering a quadricep injury during the Asia Cup in September. His participation would be a major boost for Baroda, who will start their campaign against Bengal on Wednesday.
Fitness test
Pandya's return crucial for India's T20 World Cup preparations
Pandya's return to competitive cricket is crucial not just for Baroda, but also for India's T20 World Cup preparations. The T20 World Cup will be held in India in February and March. "He has not yet joined the squad but we expect him to play majority of the games. His presence always provides a big boost to the squad," Baroda head coach Mukund Parmar told PTI.
Fitness showcase
SMAT as a platform for fitness demonstration
The SMAT will serve as a platform for Pandya to demonstrate his fitness ahead of the T20 series against South Africa, starting December 9. He is expected to play most of Baroda's seven group games in the tournament. India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tamil Nadu team captain Varun Chakaravarthy are anticipated to be available for the group stage.
Auction aspirations
Domestic talents eye IPL auction spotlight
The SMAT will also provide a platform for domestic talents to make an impact ahead of the IPL auction. Players like Prithvi Shaw, who moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra for domestic cricket, and Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal, who is aiming to convince IPL teams of his value, will be looking to impress IPL franchises with their performances in this tournament.