Hardik Pandya will have to wait longer for his return to competitive cricket. The India all-rounder was left out of Baroda’s 15-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026, which the Baroda Cricket Association announced on Saturday, November 7. His elder brother Krunal Pandya will lead the side in the domestic T20 tournament, which begins on November 14.
It is the latest setback in a frustrating few months for the 33-year-old, who has not played a competitive match since May 24, when he turned out for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. A fresh shin injury has now pushed his comeback back again, and there is still no confirmed date for his return to the field.
Baroda name squad without Hardik
Baroda announced their squad on Saturday morning, and Hardik’s name was missing from the 15-man list. Krunal Pandya was named captain, with Atit Sheth as his deputy. The squad also includes experienced names such as Deepak Hooda and Jitesh Sharma, along with young fast bowler Rasikh Salam.
Baroda will open their campaign against Chandigarh on November 14 in Mumbai. The 19th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy runs from November 14 to December 6, 2026, and it was seen as the natural stage for Hardik to ease himself back into match cricket. That plan is now off the table, and his absence takes away Baroda’s biggest match-winner.
A comeback that keeps slipping away
Hardik’s injury troubles began during IPL 2026 itself. Back spasms during the tournament forced him to miss four matches for Mumbai Indians, and a leg strain soon after added to his problems. His last competitive outing came on May 24, in Mumbai Indians’ final fixture of the season.
Since then, he has spent most of his time at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, working through rehabilitation. There was a brief moment of hope in October, when he was named in the India A one-day squad for the series against Australia A. That comeback never happened. He was withdrawn after suffering a fresh shin injury, and scans reportedly showed he was still feeling pain while bowling.
The medical team at the Centre of Excellence has taken a cautious line ever since. The message has been consistent: Hardik must be completely pain-free while bowling, running and sprinting before he is cleared for competitive cricket. Rushing a seam-bowling all-rounder back too soon risks a longer layoff, and nobody in the set-up wants that.
What it means for Team India
Hardik’s continued absence is a headache for the Indian team management as well. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed more than once that Hardik needs proper game time before returning to the international side, rather than walking straight back into the XI after months away.
That is the crux of the problem. Without domestic matches under his belt, Hardik cannot build the match fitness the selectors want to see, and without being fit, he cannot play those domestic matches. It is a circle he has been stuck in since May, and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was supposed to break it.
What happens next
With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ruled out, the next realistic window for Hardik is the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic one-day tournament. If his rehabilitation goes to plan, he could return for Baroda in the List A competition and use it to rebuild rhythm before the international season picks up again.
If even that does not work out, the fallback is a direct return in IPL 2027. That would mean almost a full year away from competitive cricket, which is a long time for any player, let alone one whose game depends so heavily on rhythm and confidence with both bat and ball.
For now, the wait continues. Baroda move on with Krunal at the helm, India continue to plan without their premier all-rounder, and Hardik Pandya keeps working at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, hoping the next squad announcement carries his name.
FAQs
Why is Hardik Pandya not playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026?
He was left out of Baroda’s 15-member squad because of a fresh shin injury. He is still recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is not yet pain-free while bowling.
When did Hardik Pandya last play competitive cricket?
His last competitive match was on May 24, 2026, when he played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. He has not played a professional game since then.
Who is captaining Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026?
Krunal Pandya, Hardik’s elder brother, will captain Baroda. Atit Sheth has been named vice-captain. Baroda open their campaign against Chandigarh on November 14 in Mumbai.
When could Hardik Pandya return to cricket?
The next realistic chance is the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic one-day tournament. If he is not fit for that either, he may return directly in IPL 2027.
Is Hardik Pandya still in India’s plans?
Yes, but the team management wants him to play domestic matches and prove his fitness first. Coach Gautam Gambhir has said Hardik needs game time before an international recall.
Hardik Pandya’s wait goes on, and Indian cricket will be hoping the next update is a better one.
