NEW DELHI: After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma brought star power to the Vijay Hazare Trophy by turning out for Delhi and Mumbai respectively, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also set to make his presence felt in the country's premier domestic tournament, IANS reported.
According to the report, Pandya is set to represent Baroda in two Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures - against Vidarbha on January 3 and Chandigarh on January 8.
Although he was keen to be available for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, the team management has opted to give him a break, prioritising his preparation for the T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup in 2026.
As part of the same workload-management plan, Pandya will also sit out Baroda's January 6 match against Jammu and Kashmir.
"Yes, it's confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. He's not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup," a source close to the proceedings said.
"Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup," the source added.
Pandya was last seen in action during the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which India won 3-1. He was named Player of the Match in the final game after scoring a quick-fire 63 off 25 balls and also contributing with a wicket.
