The Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be back on the field to play his first competitive match in several months. Baroda is likely to have Pandya in the next Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after a long rehab session, as it is the first time he will be seen injured during the Asia Cup 2025.
Pandya's comeback has been very patient and he has shown a lot of resolve throughout. The Indian match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup in which Pandya suffered a left quadriceps injury, resulting in him not being able to play the final against Pakistan and the tour of Australia that followed, is mentioned specifically.
Hardik Pandya nears full fitness ahead of South Africa series
Since the injury, Pandya has been training rigorously under the supervision of specialists at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), focusing on mobility, fitness, and bowling workloads. According to a report by The Times of India, he is nearing full match fitness and could play Baroda’s opening match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on November 26 in Hyderabad.
Even if he misses the first fixture, Pandya is likely to return for the second game, ensuring vital match practice ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.
Sources also indicate that Pandya has looked in excellent shape during training and will join Baroda as soon as he clears the BCCI’s Return-to-Play (RTP) protocol. His quick transition from rehab to competitive cricket reflects his eagerness to regain rhythm and momentum before returning to international action.
Before his injury, Pandya had a mixed Asia Cup campaign, scoring 48 runs at a strike rate of around 120 and taking 4 wickets with an economy rate of 8.57. His all-round efforts played a key role in the middle overs until the injury against Sri Lanka ended his campaign prematurely.
