Hardik Pandya’s comeback was delayed yet again as the all-rounder missed out on Baroda’s SMAT team

Hardik Pandya’s wait to return to competitive cricket has been extended, with the Indian all-rounder missing out on Baroda’s 15-man squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026. His latest absence comes as he continues to recover from a series of fitness setbacks that have kept him sidelined since the end of the 2026 IPL.

The Baroda Cricket Association announced their squad on Saturday, November 7, with Hardik’s elder brother Krunal Pandya named as the captain. Atit Sheth has been named as the vice-captain, while the squad also includes veteran batsmen like Deepak Hooda and Jitesh Sharma.

Hardik was initially named in the India A one-day squad for the October series against Australia A. However, he was subsequently withdrawn after suffering a fresh shin injury. Courtesy: Baroda Cricket Association

HARDIK’S FITNESS CONCERNS CONTINUE

The latest setback adds to a difficult few months for the 32-year-old, who has been spending considerable time at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

Hardik last featured in competitive cricket on 24 May during Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 campaign. Earlier in the tournament, he had struggled with back spasms that forced him to miss four games, before a subsequent leg strain added to his recovery woes.

His absence also worries India’s plans, with the all-rounder seen as an important part of the team’s white-ball set-up. Indian captain Shubman Gill recently underlined his valueHe claims that Hardik’s return would provide the team with a quality pick at No. 7 or 8.

“Not many players in the world have his skills. As a bowler, you can use him in different aspects of the game. He can play with the new ball and the old ball,” Gill said.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir also emphasized the importance of having Hardik available for the team’s preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. He believes the all-rounder’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him particularly valuable.

Gambhir stressed that Hardik needs enough game time before returning to the international set-up rather than being rushed back without adequate match practice.

The 19th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will begin on November 14 and will continue till December 6, 2026. Baroda will begin their campaign against Chandigarh on November 14 in Mumbai.

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