Hardik Pandya not named in Baroda's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad

Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not been named in Baroda’s squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27. Hardik has remained on the sidelines due to injury concerns and last played professional cricket in May, 2026 during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In Hardik’s place, his brother, Krunal Pandya, will lead the Baroda squad.  Earlier, the all-rounder was also picked in India A's one-day squad for the home series against Australia A in October but was later ruled out of the series due to a shin injury.

Hardik Pandya has been under rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He earlier suffered from back spasms right after the IPL and was later out of action due to a leg strain.

The 33-year-old’s last international appearance was during the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on March 8. His fresh injury has further cast doubts on his participation in the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, where they will play three ODIs and as many T20Is.

Baroda to begin campaign against Chandigarh

Hardik’s fitness is a major concern for India heading into the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been vocal about Hardik’s importance in the team and has also said that there was no question of taking them to the World Cup "half-cooked".

Meanwhile, apart from Krunal, the Baroda squad has prominent players like Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda and Rasikh Salam. They will begin their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign against Chandigarh in Mumbai on November 14.