In the forthcoming five-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa, daring all-rounder Hardik Pandya will finally make a comeback to international cricket. With a game-winning effort for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Pandya has passed his fitness after spending over three months out due to a left quadricep injury sustained at the Asia Cup in September.
After playing for India in the Asia Cup, Hardik underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. In the lead-up to the World Cup, the board had already stated that it intended to manage him as a T20I-only player, limiting his effort to the shortest format. He finished his Return to Play (RTP) procedures during the last six weeks, and he was given the all-clear to return to full-time duties.
Hardik will participate in at least two more SMAT games.
With an undefeated 77 off 42 balls against Punjab in the SMAT on Tuesday, the 32-year-old made a spectacular comeback, leading Baroda to a seven-wicket chase of 223, the third-highest successful chase in the history of the competition. His ability to deliver a full spell was encouraging for the team management and selectors, despite the fact that his bowling was subpar, as he returned with figures of 1 for 52 in four overs.
Hardik’s availability as a bowling all-rounder is crucial to India’s balance in Twenty20 Internationals, the BCCI has stated. Hardik is still vital to India’s objectives, and Selector Pragyan Ojha has been tasked with monitoring his development during the domestic stretch. To further gauge his reaction to back-to-back games, he is anticipated to play at least two more SMAT games, including one against Gujarat on December 4.
Due to Shubman Gill’s neck injury, which has kept him out since the opening Test match against South Africa, India must make a selection at the top of the order. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are being considered to combine with Abhishek Sharma since Gill is unlikely to be available. Riyan Parag is also being assessed by the selectors for a possible middle-order position. Beginning in Cuttack on December 9, the five-match T20I series will then move on to New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.
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