Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s wait for a return to aggressive cricket will continue after Baroda left him out of their squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026. His elder brother Krunal Pandya will captain the aspect in the domestic T20 event, which begins on November 14.
The 32-year-old all-rounder has not performed aggressive cricket since Might 24, when he last represented Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. His newest injury setback has raised considerations over his availability for India’s upcoming international assignments and preparations for subsequent year’s ODI World Cup.
Hardik Pandya Misses Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy After Recent Shin Harm
Hardik Pandya was initially named in India A’s one-day squad for the house collection against Australia A in October. Nonetheless, he withdrew from the selection after suffering a fresh shin injury. In line with Cricinfo, the all-rounder was still experiencing ache while bowling during his rehabilitation.
Hardik has spent considerable time at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru because the IPL. He initially reported again spasms in the course of the event before suffering a leg strain, further delaying his return.
His last international appearance came in the T20 World Cup 2026 last against New Zealand. He was additionally in contention to return during India’s recent international assignments however missed out due to his fitness considerations.
India are currently playing an ODI collection against New Zealand and can host Sri Lanka for a T20I collection in December. Hardik Pandya’s availability for the upcoming matches stays uncertain.
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India are keen to carry Hardik Pandya again into the squad as they put together for subsequent year’s ODI World Cup in Africa. Nonetheless, the crew management will not be keen to hurry his recovery, with participant fitness remaining a priority ahead of the global event.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has already made India’s position clear. Whereas acknowledging the significance of Hardik and Jasprit Bumrah to the crew’s plans, he pressured that neither participant can be rushed again before regaining full fitness.
Gambhir mentioned there was no query of taking either participant to the World Cup in the event that they have been still “half-cooked”.
Hardik’s prolonged absence has additionally created choice challenges for India, significantly relating to finding the appropriate steadiness in the pace-bowling all-rounder department. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been given alternatives across all three formats, while Suryansh Shedge can be being groomed for the role.
Krunal Pandya to Lead Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026
With Hardik Pandya unavailable, Krunal Pandya will lead Baroda in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The squad features several experienced domestic gamers and established Indian names, together with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda and fast bowler Rasikh Salam.
Jitesh and Amit Passi are the 2 wicketkeeping options, while Hooda provides experience to the batting department. Baroda also have several bowling options, together with Atit Sheth, Mahesh Pithiya, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar and Hemant Punde.
Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Bhanu Pania, Parikshit Patidar and Dhruv B. provide further options for the crew. Baroda will start their campaign against Chandigarh in Mumbai on November 14. Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya and Safvan Patel have been named as standbys.
Baroda squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026:
Krunal Pandya (C), Atit Sheth (VC), Deepak Hooda, Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Amit Passi (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Parikshit Patidar, Hemant Punde, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar, Rasikh Salam, Dhruv B.
Standbys: Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya, Safvan Patel.
Supply: cricketaddictor.com
