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After more than two months off, Hardik Pandya will be back on the field for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) to regain his competitive cricket. His Asia Cup appearance in late September is the last time that he has stepped onto the professional stage. Consequently, he will be able to show the progress of his recovery and his fitness in a very important way before India’s T20I series against South Africa.
Individually, the national selection committee has been very keen on the progress of Hardik. Pragyan Ojha is the selector who is expected to be the most attentive while Baroda will be in action against Punjab on December 2 and against Gujarat on December 4. These sessions will determine a great deal about the allrounder’s readiness for the international game.
Hardik was last seen representing India in the Asia Cup Superfours Match against Sri Lanka on September 26 when he sustained a left quadriceps injury. Consequently, he went to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on October 15 for his recuperation program. Except for a short three day Diwali break, he has been with the medical and conditioning team from October 21 to November 29.
His involvement in SMAT is at a very important moment since the selectors are going to reveal India’s squad for the South Africa T20I series of five matches within the next few days. If he is called for the national team to train ahead of the series, then it is quite improbable that he will still be playing for Baroda in SMAT after these two matches.
Baroda, on the other hand, has not been performing consistently in their SMAT campaign. After losing to Bengal by six wickets and Puducherry by 17 runs, they gained some confidence by defeating Himachal Pradesh. The return of Hardik is definitely expected to bring experience and stability as well as a positive vibe to the team.
Hardik’s upcoming performances will be closely monitored, as India hopes for his full recovery ahead of a busy T20I schedule.
