Why is Hardik Pandya missing from Baroda’s squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy?

Indian cricket’s premier domestic 50-over competition Vijay Hazare Trophy began on Saturday. The 31-year-old all-rounder Hardik Pandya wasn’t part of the Baroda side that beat Tripura by 92 runs in their campaign opener. India’s ace all-rounder played the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament and has done well with the bat and ball. 

Kiran More who is part of the Cricket Improvement Committee for Baroda Cricket Association spoke to CRICBUZZ to shed more light on the situation. Former India stumper said, “He will play from the knockouts; he has informed us”. There were fears that Pandya might be looking to focus on the T20 format only from now on. 

Former India star Kiran More though ended such thoughts when he spoke to CRICBUZZ. “He participated in all the SMAT matches, and he will play in the 50-over games too. Baroda performed well in the SMAT, reaching the semifinals, which they lost due to wet conditions in Bengaluru. Hopefully, the team will make it to the knockouts of the VHT as well," he said.

Hardik Pandya set to join Baroda team from 3rd round?

Noted journalist Vijay Tagore put out a tweet where he mentioned Hardik Pandya will play the tournament from the 3rd round. Krunal Pandya leading sides are set to take on Kerala on Monday before playing Bengal in the game of the tournament on Saturday. The final 3 games for Baroda are against Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. 

Vijay Tagore wrote, “Now CRICBUZZ understands Hardik Pandya will participate in Vijay Hazare from game 3. He has had a chat with Baroda coach”. The 31-year-old will be looked at closely as Indian selection committee look to finalize the team for Champions Trophy 2025. Hardik Pandya’s last ODI match was during the 2023 ODI World Cup against Bangladesh during which he got injured. 

Now Cricbuzz understands Hardik Pandya will participate in Vijay Hazare from Game 3. He has had a chat with Baroda coach https://t.co/NVBys7CmSd

— Vijay Tagore (@vijaymirror) December 21, 2024

Speaking about the game, Baroda beat Tripura in Hyderabad on Saturday. Baroda batted first and scored 302/7 from their 50 overs with Shivalik Sharma’s 86 being the top score. Vishnu Solanki contributed with 54 runs from 46 balls while Bhanu Pania scored an unbeaten 49 off 20 balls. 

In reply, Tripura were bowled out for 210 in the 45th over of the innings. Former Punjab batters Jiwanjot Singh (60) and skipper Mandeep Singh (54) were the best batters. Mahesh Pithiya was the best bowler for Baroda with 4/44 from his 10 overs. Raj Limbani and Krunal Pandya picked 2 wickets each as Lukman Meriwala and Shashank Rawat got a wicket apiece.