Hardik Pandya Set to Make Domestic Comeback Ahead of India’s Home Season:

India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to return to competitive cricket later this month, becoming the second high-profile cricketer, after Rohit Sharma, to heed the BCCI’s strong directive of playing domestic cricket before representing the national side. According to reports, Pandya is expected to feature for his state team, Baroda, in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The move comes a day after Rohit Sharma reportedly expressed his willingness to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy in line with the BCCI’s ‘play domestic to play for India’ directive, although the Mumbai Cricket Association has not yet received official communication regarding his participation. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, remains absent from domestic plans as he spends time in London with his family. Pandya, 32, has been undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation program at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after a left quadricep injury sidelined him during India’s Asia Cup clash against Sri Lanka. The injury forced him to miss the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India’s subsequent white-ball series in Australia. In recent weeks, he has focused on intensive conditioning and strength work to regain full match fitness. According to sources, Pandya is nearing full recovery and, if progress continues as planned, could feature in Baroda’s opening game of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on November 26 in Hyderabad. Even if his return is slightly delayed, he is expected to be available by the team’s second fixture, giving him crucial match practice ahead of India’s upcoming home series. Once he receives his Return to Play (RTP) clearance from the CoE, Pandya is expected to head straight to Hyderabad to join the Baroda squad. The selectors and team management are keen to provide him with competitive game time, ensuring he is ready for India’s limited-overs fixtures against South Africa. India’s three-match ODI series against the Proteas is scheduled to take place in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam on November 30, December 3, and December 6, respectively. Following the ODIs, the home season will transition into a five-match T20I series starting December 9 in Cuttack. Pandya’s participation in at least one Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixture would mark his return to international cricket after nearly three months on the sidelines. Hardik’s comeback is seen as a major boost for the Indian team. Known for his explosive batting, seam bowling, and dynamic fielding, the all-rounder adds balance to the squad across formats. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how quickly he regains his rhythm ahead of India’s packed home season. With both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya now aligning with the BCCI’s domestic cricket directive, attention will turn to other senior players like Virat Kohli to see how they respond. For now, Indian cricket fans can look forward to seeing Hardik back in action, donning the Baroda colors before returning to the national side.

SPORT