[WATCH] SMAT 2025: Pitch invader takes selfie with Hardik Pandya during match, video goes viral | CricTracker

Interestingly, Hardik stopped the fan before security personnel grabbed the intruder and led him back to the boundary line. It appeared that Hardik gestured to the security officials not to be too harsh on the fan as he was being taken away.

Meanwhile, Hardik made a comeback with this match after recovering from a quadriceps injury during the 2025 Asia Cup, which India eventually won by beating Pakistan. He missed the Asia Cup final and subsequent tour of Australia. The all-rounder is also not part of the ongoing home series against South Africa and will miss the ODI series. The T20I squad for the all-format series against the Proteas has not yet been announced and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to participate.

Hardik’s return with the ball was not what he had hoped for. The Indian all-rounder opened the bowling under the captaincy of elder brother Krunal Pandya and conceded 52 runs in his four-over spell, taking a wicket as Baroda eventually conceded 222/8 after Punjab opted to bat.

Talking about his performance during the run-chase, Hardik hit an unbeaten 77 off 42 with seven fours and four sixes. Baroda eventually won by a margin of seven wickets. They will take on Gujarat in their next match on December 4 at the same venue.

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