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Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to feature in the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, which is scheduled to be played from November 23 till December 15. According to the reports making rounds, Hardik Pandya is set to represent Baroda in the domestic tournament, under the captaincy of his elder brother Krunal Pandya.
However, if the reports are to be believed, Hardik Pandya will mark his return in domestic cricket after a prolonged hiatus. It is to be noted that pandya last featured for Baroda in 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, whereas his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy appearance came in January 2016.
Hardik Pandya to play for Baroda in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
A source close to this development informed, as quoted by Sportstar, “Usually, the association names 18-member squads, but this time around, only 17 members were named initailly and now Hardik has also been added to the squad.” The decision of Hardik Pandya making his return in domestic cricket comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandated the participation of centrally contracted players in domestic tournaments whenever available.
Speaking of Baroda, under Krunal Pandya’s captaincy, the team finished as the runners-up last year as they lost to Punjab. Moreover, in the Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign, Baroda topped the group standings, winning all four matches.
