India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya is back in action. After a break of more than two months, the 30-year-old returned to India’s last Asia Cup team in Baroda for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). His comeback comes as a breath of fresh air when India is heading to T20I series against South Africa. If he gets through the fitness tests and performs well in domestic cricket, he will be chosen for the squad.

On-Field Comeback After Long Time

During the Asia Cup, Hardik sustained a left quadricep injury, and as a result, he had to withdraw not only from the remainder of the tournament but also from the subsequent international matches. His last match for India was against Sri Lanka on September 26. After the injury, he went to BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on October 15 for his rehabilitation program.

Hardik underwent quite a demanding regimen during his time away from the field and was closely monitored by the BCCI medical team. He did take a small break for Diwali but quickly resumed his rehab from October 21 to 29. It looks like he has now fully recovered and is ready to take up his international duties again.

Focus On Hardik’s SMAT Performances From The Eyes Of A Selector

The return of the player couldn’t have been more timely for India. The committee headlining the selection for the T20 series against South Africa is going to take the final call in a few days. Pragyan Ojha, a national selector, will be at the ground to watch the matches between Baroda and Punjab as well as Baroda and Gujarat on December 2 and 4, respectively. He will be there to examine hardik’s fitness in match situations, work to be done on managing the load and, in general, whether Hardik is ready to return to international cricket or not.

If Hardik shows that he is fit during these matches, then he will probably be the first one to be considered for the Indian T20 squad. In view of the fact that he is an experienced seam-bowling all-rounder, and India doesn’t have many like that, just by the fact that he would be selected the balance of the Indian team would be greatly enhanced which in turn would be of great advantage in the South Africa ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌series.

Timing of Return Critical for India’s Selection Plans

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is going to reveal the T20I squad for the South Africa tour very soon. It is perfectly in line with this schedule that Hardik made his return to domestic cricket, thereby making his SMAT innings extremely important. Whether he will be in the national team or not, is the only question that decides whether he will continue to play for Baroda in the tournament or concentrate on the national team.

Besides this, the team management also wants to see how well he would cope with the pressure of the match after such a long time. India setting up their future strategy for the 2026 T20 World Cup is a scenario in which Hardik’s comeback will be greatly discussed, especially considering his experience as the leader and his use in the shortest format.

Baroda’s Performance in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The Baroda side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has not shown a stable performance so far. They started off the tournament with two successive losses—being defeated by Bengal by six wickets and by Puducherry by 17 runs. But they revived their spirits with an important victory over Himachal Pradesh, thus giving themselves the much-required impetus. The addition of Hardik will not only inject the team with his versatile talents but also with his leadership traits.

A Pivotal Time in Hardik Pandya’s Career

The next few days might define a major chapter in the career of Hardik Pandya. An impressive comeback in SMAT followed by a call-up for the South Africa series will probably be the turning point of the all-rounder’s return to the top of the line. On the other hand, any injury concerns or difficulties might see the selectors hesitating in India’s short-term plans.

Meanwhile, the attention of everyone is fixed on the upcoming matches of Baroda—as well as on Hardik Pandya who is making significant advances toward being able to wear the Indian jersey ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌again.