Is Hardik Pandya Playing Baroda's 3rd Match Against Himachal Pradesh in SMAT 2025?

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is taking part in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda, using the tournament as an opportunity to get some game time and match fitness before the T20I series against South Africa.

But in an unexpected development, Hardik was left out of Baroda’s Playing XI for their third match against Himanchal Pradesh. The decision caught many off guard and sparked fresh doubts about his fitness ahead of a crucial international season.

Is Hardik Pandya Playing Today?

According to a report in The Times of India, premier Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to make his comeback to competitive cricket after spending around 42 days in rehab. As per Hardik Pandya's injury updates, he is expected to feature in three Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for Baroda as part of his preparation for the T20I series against South Africa, beginning on December 9. He won't be featuring in the clash against Himachal Pradesh, which is Baroda's 3rd match in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where the team will miss the services of the best all-rounder in India.
He will join with Krunal Pandya’s Baroda squad in Hyderabad and is expected to take part in matches on December 2, 4, and 6. As per Hardik Pandya injury update, he first reported to the Centre of Excellence on October 14 for an evaluation of a left quadricep issue and has since undergone extensive training to prepare for India’s upcoming white-ball fixtures. Although he briefly stepped away during the Diwali period, he ultimately completed a 42-day rehabilitation program.

Initially, there were hopes that he would be fit in time for the ODI series against South Africa starting November 30, but the plan was adjusted to reintroduce him gradually through the T20 format. Pandya has not played since the Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka two months ago and consequently missed both the Australia tour and the ODI series against South Africa.

Consecutive Losses for Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

As a vital member of India’s limited-overs plans, the team management is focused on ensuring he is fully prepared ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup. His appearances for Baroda will serve as crucial match practice before he rejoins the national side for the T20Is in South Africa. Beginning November 26, Baroda was scheduled to play seven group-stage matches through December 8, and head coach Mukund Parmar expressed confidence that Pandya would feature in most of those games. “He hasn’t yet joined the squad, but we expect him to play the majority of the games. His presence always provides a big boost to the squad," Parmar said.

Baroda’s start to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 has raised serious concerns, as the team now finds itself facing the threat of consecutive defeats. They have lost their first two games against Puducherry and Bengal. Their batting never quite settled, with key players failing to accelerate when needed, while the bowlers struggled to find consistency.

In a tournament where momentum can shift quickly, such a start puts Baroda in a difficult position. Jitesh Sharma, who is among the best wicketkeepers in India, needs to step up and take charge of the batting lineup.

The dressing room will be looking for someone to lift the team’s intensity, and that is where the return of Hardik Pandya becomes especially crucial. After weeks of rehabilitation, his presence brings experience. The Hardik Pandya Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy comeback has already become one of the biggest angles of the competition.