Guess who’s back? Hardik Pandya returns from injury and fans couldn’t be happier about it. The Indian star all-rounder will wear Baroda colours in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. It’s been a tough few months watching from the sidelines. But the wait is finally over for Indian cricket’s biggest all-rounder.
Recovery Journey and Medical Clearance
So what exactly happened to Hardik Pandya? He picked up a nasty left quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025. That muscle problem kept him away from cricket for way too long. The missing series against Australia and South Africa really hurt the team’s balance.
The BCCI sent him straight to their Centre of Excellence for treatment. Over six weeks of grinding work followed at the rehab center. Imagine doing physio exercises and fitness drills every day without playing actual cricket.
November 30, 2025 brought the breakthrough everyone was hoping for. Hardik Pandya cleared all the Return-to-Play tests thrown at him. Doctors finally said yes, and now he can chase leather and smash boundaries again.
Domestic Cricket Comeback Plan
Baroda will field Hardik Pandya in their upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 matches. His first game is scheduled for December 2 against Punjab. The second match happens on December 4 when Baroda faces Gujarat.
A possible third match against Haryana depends on how his body responds. The team management won’t take any unnecessary risks with their star player. They want to see him fully fit before pushing him harder.
National selector Pragyan Ojha will personally watch these domestic games. His reports will help decide if Hardik Pandya makes the T20I squad soon. The selectors need to know if he’s ready for international cricket again.
Road to International Return
India plays a T20 series in South Africa starting December 9. Hardik Pandya might join the squad if his domestic performances go well. The selectors want him back in the blue jersey as soon as possible.
These domestic matches give him crucial game time before returning to Team India. Playing T20s helps him rediscover his batting rhythm and bowling sharpness. Every over bowled and every run scored matters right now.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is on everyone’s mind already. India desperately needs Hardik Pandya returns from injury fully fit for the contest. His all-round skills make him GOAT in the shortest format.
