Hardik Pandya took a U turn before IPL 2025, will play this tournament after 8 years

SMAT 2024 Hardik Pandya plays For Baroda: Team India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is going to make a comeback in domestic cricket after 8 years. This year he will play for Baroda team in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25. This tournament will start from November 23, which is happening just before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Hardik last played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in January 2016, when Baroda played the final against Uttar Pradesh. After this he made his T20 debut for India and never played in this tournament again.

Hardik will play under the captaincy of brother Krunal
This time the captaincy of Baroda will be in the hands of Hardik Pandya’s elder brother Krunal Pandya. Krunal had taken Baroda to the finals last season, but the team lost to Punjab by 20 runs. Baroda’s strength will increase with Hardik’s return to the team. Hardik recently performed brilliantly for India in the T20 series against South Africa, where he played a key role in the team’s 3-1 victory with both bat and ball. His form can give a big advantage to Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Regarding the selection of the team, a source said, “Usually the Baroda team announces 18 players, but this time 17 players were selected. Now Hardik has also been included in the team.” Hardik will join the team in Indore for the first match, where Baroda will face Gujarat.

Why did Hardik stay away from domestic cricket?
Hardik Pandya last played for Baroda in Ranji Trophy 2018. Due to injuries and international commitments, he was not able to participate much in domestic cricket. However, BCCI has recently made it mandatory for central contract players to play domestic cricket. In such a situation, it is natural for Hardik to return to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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