India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has become the second top cricketer, after former captain Rohit Sharma, to follow the BCCI’s directive to play domestic cricket. Hardik is set to return to competitive cricket later this month and will represent his state team, Baroda, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, according to Times of India. Rohit reportedly expressed his intention to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, following the BCCI’s ‘play domestic to play for India’ directive, although the Mumbai Cricket Association has not received official confirmation yet. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has not made any public move, as he remains in London with his family.
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Hardik Pandya, who has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, is reportedly nearing full match fitness. If his recovery continues on track, the 32-year-old all-rounder could feature in Baroda’s opening match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting November 26 in Hyderabad. Even if there’s a slight delay, he should be available for the team’s second match. Hardik has remained sidelined since he injured his left quadricep during India’s Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka, which caused him to miss the final against Pakistan and the subsequent white-ball series in Australia. Since then, he has focused on strengthening and conditioning to regain full fitness.
Hardik Pandya Set for Comeback After Injury Layoff
Once the CoE grants his Return to Play (RTP) clearance, Hardik Pandya will head straight to Hyderabad to join the Baroda squad. The selectors and team management want him to gain some competitive match practice before India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam on November 30, December 3, and December 6. The home season will then move into a five-match T20I leg starting December 9 in Cuttack. If everything goes as planned, Pandya could play in at least one Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match before returning to the India jersey, marking his comeback to international cricket after nearly three months on the sidelines.
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