New Delhi, 07 November (H.S.): India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's wait for a return to competitive cricket has been extended, with the star cricketer being omitted from Baroda's 15-member squad announced for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His elder brother, Krunal Pandya, will lead the side in the domestic T20 tournament.

Hardik last featured in a competitive match for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026 on May 24. He has remained away from cricket since then due to injury concerns. In October, he was selected in the India A squad for the home one-day series against Australia A but subsequently withdrew after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury. Reports at the time indicated that he was still experiencing discomfort while bowling.

Since the conclusion of the IPL, Hardik has spent considerable time at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, focusing on his rehabilitation and fitness. During the IPL, he initially experienced back spasms, followed by a strain in his leg.

His last international appearance came in the T20 International series against New Zealand, held at home shortly before the IPL. The Indian team is currently engaged in a one-day international series against New Zealand and will subsequently host Sri Lanka for a T20 International series in December.

With next year's ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in Africa, the Indian team management will be keen to bring Hardik back into the side at the earliest opportunity. He is regarded as one of India's most important all-rounders in limited-overs cricket.

However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has already made it clear that although Hardik and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah are extremely important to India's plans, neither player will be considered for the World Cup unless fully fit. Gambhir had emphasised that there was no question of taking either player to the World Cup without complete fitness.

Besides Krunal Pandya, the Baroda squad features several prominent players, including Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda and Rasik Dar. Baroda will begin its campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Chandigarh in Mumbai on November 14.

The 19th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is scheduled to commence on November 14. Notably, Baroda have won the prestigious domestic T20 tournament twice, in 2011 and 2013.

Baroda Squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026

Krunal Pandya (Captain), Atit Sheth (Vice-Captain), Deepak Hooda, Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Amit Passi (Wicketkeeper), Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Parikshit Patidar, Hemant Punde, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar, Dhruv B. Patel and Safvan Patel.

Standby Players: Priyanshu Moliya and Chintal Gandhi.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar