Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Hardik Pandya absent from Baroda's squad

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be absent from his duties for his state team, Baroda for the initial stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), the 50-over domestic tournament, which began on Saturday, December 21. However, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has clarified that Pandya will join the team only for the knockout rounds if Baroda manages to qualify.

Earlier the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selectors had emphasized the importance of Indian players participating in domestic tournaments if not on national duty. According to Kiran More, a member of the BCA’s Cricket Improvement Committee, Pandya has informed the association of his intent to join the team later in the tournament. "He will play from the knockouts; he has informed us," said Kiran More as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The 31-year-old has been a key member of the Indian team but has not played a 50-over game since October 19, 2023, during the ODI World Cup against Bangladesh. An ankle injury sustained in that game sidelined him for an extended period, and he has since focused exclusively on T20 formats. He featured in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), where he scored 246 runs and claimed six wickets, helping Baroda reach the semifinals.

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Baroda placed in Group E in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Pandya’s return to the 50-over format through the VHT could be crucial, especially with next year’s ICC Champions Trophy around the corner. The Indian team’s selectors are exploring alternatives for the all-rounder’s role, with Nitish Reddy coming up as a promising pace-bowling option.

Many critics have voiced their opinion about Hardik's absence believing that this may hinder Baroda’s chances of advancing, especially given the team’s challenging group stage schedule. Baroda, led by Krunal Pandya, Hardik’s elder brother, will face teams like Kerala, Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh in Group E. Baroda’s squad for the VHT includes experienced players like Krunal and young talents such as Shashwat Rawat and Vishnu Solanki.

Baroda squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy:

Shashwat Rawat, Bhanu Pania, Parth Kohli, Jyotsnil Singh, Ninad Ashvinkumar Rathva, Shivalik Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Mahesh Pithiya, Raj Limbani, Atit Sheth, Vishnu Solanki, Babashafi Pathan, Lukman Meriwala, Bhargav Bhatt, Akash Maharaj Singh, Amit Passi, Lakshit Toksiya