Team India’s experienced all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from injury, is ready to return to competitive cricket later this month. Pandya could become the second high-profile player after Rohit Sharma to comply with the BCCI directive that requires top cricketers to participate in domestic tournaments.
The all-rounder has not played since the Asia Cup 2025, where he injured his left quadricep in the match against Sri Lanka. The injury ruled him out of the final against Pakistan and the white-ball series against Australia. The hosts won the ODI series, while the Suryakumar Yadav-led side won the T20I series.
Hardik Pandya is ready to return to competitive cricket in domestic tournaments
Hardik Pandya is on the verge of completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. According to a Times of India report, he may make a comeback to competitive cricket during the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“India’s leading all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to make a comeback to competitive cricket later this month, playing for his state Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” the report said.
It is expected that Baroda will include him in their team for the T20 tournament. The 32-year-old is likely to feature in Baroda’s opening match in Hyderabad on November 26 or the recently concluded second match of the tournament.
Rohit Sharma has reportedly shown interest in representing Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, Mumbai Cricket Association is yet to receive formal confirmation. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has not shared any plans to play domestic cricket at this level.
Hardik Pandya likely to get match time before returning to Indian team
Hardik Pandya is undergoing intensive rehabilitation work at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Once he gets his Return to Play (RTP) clearance, he is expected to fly straight to Hyderabad to join the Baroda team, with no break in between.
The selectors want him to get some playing time in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before India start the ODI series against South Africa. Pandya should play at least one domestic match before returning to the national team.
“There will be no break for Pandya and he will join the match directly after receiving the Return to Play (RTP) from the CoE without any break. Pandya can play at least one competitive match before donning the India jersey after two months off,” the report said.
Hardik Pandya has not been involved in competitive cricket since Asia Cup 2025
Hardik Pandya has not been seen in competitive cricket since the Asia Cup 2025, where he scored only 48 runs and took four wickets. He missed both the ODI and T20 series in Australia but is now on track to return for the white-ball series against South Africa.
In T20Is in 2025, he has scored 160 runs at a strike rate above 130 and taken nine wickets at a good economy rate. His return will be an important part of India’s preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India will play a three-match ODI series against the Proteas. The matches are scheduled to be held on November 30 (Ranchi), December 3 (Raipur) and December 6 (Visakhapatnam), followed by a five-match T20 series starting in Cuttack from December 9.
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