Hardik will feature in Baroda’s upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Punjab on December 2. He will also play the next match against Gujarat on December 4. However, whether he plays the third match against Haryana on December 6 will depend on how he performs physically.
National selector Pragyan Ojha is expected to attend both matches to assess Hardik’s fitness. Indian fans will be hoping the Choryasi native returns to top form ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, which starts on Tuesday, December 9. Incidentally, Hardik bowled the last over in the pulsating T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Hardik has played 120 T20Is for the Men in Blue and scored 1860 runs at an average of 27.35 and a strike rate of 141.02. He is also India’s third highest wicket-taker in the shortest format, with 98 wickets in 108 innings at an average of 26.58 and an economy rate of 8.22.
The initial expectation was that Hardik would be called up directly to the Indian ODI squad, which will take on South Africa in a three-match series. However, after reviewing his progress, the medical team suggested he gradually acclimate to the rigors of the sport. Therefore, returning to domestic cricket and playing T20 matches seemed the most suitable route back to the Indian team for the 32-year-old.
Meanwhile, Baroda secured its first victory of the campaign on Sunday, November 30. They defeated Himachal Pradesh by five wickets, chasing a target of 143 runs in 17.1 overs. This was a much-needed win for the Krunal Pandya-led team, who had suffered back-to-back defeats against Bengal and Puducherry at the start of their campaign.
Now, Hardik’s return will add more strength to a team that also includes the current Indian wicketkeeper in the T20 squad, Jitesh Sharma.
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