Hardik Pandya to play for Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be seen playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy under the captaincy of Krunal Pandya. The series will begin at various venues from 23 November, Saturday. 

Hardik Pandya had informed BCCI last year that he would make himself available for domestic limited overs matches in case he is not in the national team. 

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𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Hardik Pandya set to play for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy! 🔥#HardikPandya #SyedMushtaqAliTrophy #Baroda #indiancricket #BCCI pic.twitter.com/1H3wSnbytd

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) November 22, 2024

“Indian international star Hardik Pandya will join his brother and captain Krunal Pandya for Baroda. On behalf of the BCA President and Apex Committee Members, we warmly welcome your (Hardik Pandya) return to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.” the Baroda Cricket Association said in a press release.

Last played in 2016

Usually the association announces an 18-member team, but this time only 17 members were announced initially and now Hardik has also been included in the team. He will join the team in Indore ahead of the opening match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Gujarat on Saturday. Pandya has returned to Baroda team after 8 years. 31-year-old last participated in this tournament in 2016.

Hardik Pandya's presence will be a big achievement for Baroda. Baroda has been placed in Group B along with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Sikkim and Tripura.

Last season, Baroda team was the runner-up under the captaincy of Krunal Pandya. Baroda had to face defeat by Punjab by 20 runs. Krunal will continue to lead the team. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is in great form. 

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Pandya was part of South Africa tour

Hardik Pandya was part of the Indian cricket team on the recently concluded South Africa tour where they featured in the four-match T20 series against the hosts. He contributed with both bat and ball in India's 3-1 win over South Africa. Pndya was also seen at Mumbai Indians' training session in Navi Mumbai.

MI retained Pandya

Pandya doesn't have to worry about impressing IPL scouts after finding a place in Mumbai Indians' retention list ahead of the auction to be held on November 23 and 24 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The all-rounder's presence in the Baroda jersey is in line with BCCI's policy of mandating presence of key cricketers in domestic tournaments. Hence, his aim will be to keep in touch with the game and possibly help Baroda achieve a rare title win.