The wait for Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive cricket has been extended after the Indian all-rounder was left out of Baroda’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026.
The wait for Hardik Pandya’s competitive return to cricket has extended to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after the famed Indian all-rounder was left out of Baroda’s squad.
Hardik has been out of action since IPL 2026 and has been undergoing training and rehab for his injuries at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The Indian all-rounder was named in India A’s one-day squad for the Australia A series at home but was forced to withdraw due to a shin issue, further extending his wait.
Wait for Hardik Pandya continues
According to Cricinfo, Hardik was not pain-free while bowling and has spent a significant amount of time at the COE in Bengaluru. He initially went there for back spasms and then suffered a leg strain.
Having Hardik in the Indian team’s setup would be crucial for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. But head coach Gautam Gambhir insisted on not taking ‘half-cooked’ players to the upcoming one-day cricketing spectacle.
India captain Shubman Gill also confirmed that Hardik would make a domestic return before being able to make his comeback to the Indian cricket team.
More from FirstcricketNotably, Hardik’s last international outing was at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, where they defeated New Zealand to win the title.
Krunal named Baroda captain
With Hardik Pandya omitted from the squad, Baroda has appointed Krunal Pandya as captain. The team featured players like Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda and Rasikh Salam, who will be in action in the domestic T20 tournament.
Baroda will open their campaign against Chandigarh in Mumbai on
November 14, 2026.
Baroda’s full squad for SMAT 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, Dhruv B. Patel, Safvan Patel.
Standby Players: Priyanshu Moliya and Chintal Gandhi