Hardik Pandya makes U-turn, decides to play Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage matches

In a piece of good news for the Indian fans, allrounder Hardik Pandya will be available for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. His availability for the tournament is going to be a huge boost to India with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner.

Pandya, who did not feature in Baroda's initial squad at the start of the tournament, is finally going to make his first appearance this season. He recently played in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he helped Baroda reach the semi-finals but lost to the eventual champions Mumbai.

Being an experienced international player, Pandya emerged as a star of the tournament for his team, taking them across the line on various occasions with his finishing skills. He bowled with the new ball and helped his team get important breakthroughs.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal to participate in tournament, hints BCB President

Hardik Pandya to play in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

According to Cricbuzz, Hardik Pandya will be available for selection from Baroda's third match of the tournament against Bengal. The match will be played on December 28 in Hyderabad.

Earlier, Pandya was expected to be available from the knockout stage of the tournament. But his availability from the group stage will significantly boost Baroda's chances of making it to the next stage.

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

Hardik is a highly experienced player who has given numerous important performances for the national team as well. Led by his brother Krunal Pandya, Baroda started well in the tournament by winning their first game against Tripura by 92 runs on the opening day.

Hardik Pandya's first 50-over game in a while

This will be Hardik Pandya's first 50-over match since the ODI World Cup 2023. The allrounder got unfortunately injured during the tournament's group stage match against Bangladesh in Pune.

The injury ruled him out of India's entire World Cup campaign. Hardik was an important player for India in the tournament as he was the only fast-bowling allrounder in the whole squad. He provided India with some amazing hitting skills down the order and some crucial overs with the ball as well.

His absence midway through the tournament cost India in the final when they lost to Australia in the summit clash in a heartbreaking manner. India struggled to find those crucial overs which Pandya used to provide earlier.

Big boost for India's Champions Trophy campaign

Hardik Pandya's availability in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will give a big boost to India's chances ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. India desperately need a quality and experienced all-rounder like him who provides balance to the squad.

Since the ODI World Cup, he has only played cricket in the T20 Format. He has played a total of 38 T20s, which includes domestic, international, and IPL matches. During this period, he played a vital role in India's win in the T20 World Cup 2024.