Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested from the home ODI series against New Zealand. So the all-rounder has headed to Baroda to make a 50-over comeback for the final three matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
India are preparing for the ICC T20 World Cup, and hence they have considered resting some of their players from the ODIs to ensure their focus in the T20Is. One of these names is that of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who returned to competitive cricket in the T20 series against South Africa.
Pandya missed the final of the Asia Cup 2025 due to a quadriceps injury and the injury worsened, causing him to miss the white-ball tour of Australia. After recovering, Pandya featured in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda and regained some form before making a comeback at the international level.
Hardik Pandya’s return to Vijay Hazare Trophy confirmed
Experienced Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is almost certain to be rested for the ODI matches against New Zealand; Hence, the premier all-rounder has confirmed his participation in two of the last three league stage matches for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“Yes, it has been confirmed that Hardik will play for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare matches on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh,” a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday.
However, the leading all-rounder will be managing his workload wisely as he has not considered playing all the games as he needs to be careful about his injuries with the T20 World Cup around the corner.
“He is not there for the clash against Jammu and Kashmir on January 6 as he needs adequate break to manage his load ahead of the T20 World Cup,” the source said.
BCCI selectors have advised Hardik Pandya to rest from New Zealand ODI series.
Hardik last played an ODI for India in March 2025, in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. He has not played a single ODI since then and India is performing well even without him.
Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, he, along with Jasprit Bumrah, have been asked to be rested for the ODI matches against New Zealand, as both these players are indispensable to India’s T20 World Cup title defence. Bumrah has also been exempted from joining VHT.
“Hardik wanted to play in the ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series as they want him to be in good shape for the next T20I series and most importantly the T20 World Cup,” the same source told IANS.
Will Nitish Kumar Reddy be selected as an all-rounder in New Zealand ODI?
In the absence of Hardik Pandya during the Australia tour, Nitish Kumar Reddy was selected as the replacement for the experienced all-rounder. He even took part in the first two matches for India. However, he was later sidelined due to injuries.
The Andhra captain is currently performing brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although not very much with the bat, Reddy has been effective with the ball. This all-rounder is once again in line to return to Team India as the replacement for Hardik Pandya.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav in trouble! Bollywood actress made shocking allegations just before T20 World Cup
