Hardik Pandya to make SMAT return after 8 years, play for Baroda under brother Krunal

Hardik was played in SMAT before he had made his Team India debut.

Hardik Pandya will feature for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25. The domestic T20 tournament kicks off on November 23, before the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Although Hardik hasn’t been included in Baroda’s 17-man squad, it’s believed that he’ll join them in Indore as they take on Gujarat.

Krunal Pandya to captain Hardik

Baroda finished runners-up last season under Krunal Pandya‘s leadership, losing to Punjab by 20 runs. With Hardik returning to the team after 8 years, his older brother will continue to captain the side. The pace-bowling all-rounder has been in great touch, having contributed with both bat and ball to India’s 3-1 victory over South Africa.

“Usually, the association names 18-member squads, but this time around, only 17 members were named initially, and now, Hardik has also been added to the squad,” a source told Sportstar.

Hardik Pandya’s SMAT and Baroda absence

Hardik last played SMAT in January 2016, when Baroda took on Uttar Pradesh in the final. Until that point, Hardik was an uncapped player. That didn’t take long, though, as in less than a week, he made his T20I debut for India in Australia. The all-rounder hasn’t played in SMAT since and last represented Baroda in 2018 during the Ranji Trophy season.

The domestic season often clashed with India’s international tours and fixtures, which has meant that Hardik hasn’t been available. Of course, his injuries haven’t helped either. But from last year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that when available, centrally contracted players will have to feature in domestic cricket irrespective of the format, and so it isn’t shocking that Hardik’s return to SMAT and for Baroda isn’t shocking.