Hardik Pandya set to return to domestic cricket ahead of South Africa series

Veteran Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from injury, is set to make his comeback to competitive cricket later this month. Pandya could become the second high-profile player after Rohit Sharma to follow the BCCI’s directive requiring top cricketers to participate in domestic tournaments.

The all-rounder has not played since the Asia Cup 2025, where he injured his left quadricep in a match against Sri Lanka. The injury ruled him out of the final against Pakistan and the white-ball series against Australia. The hosts claimed the ODI series, while the Suryakumar Yadav-led side clinched the T20I series.

Hardik Pandya Set to Return to Competitive Cricket in Domestic Tournament

Hardik Pandya is on the verge of completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. According to a Times of India report, he could make a return to competitive cricket during the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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"India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to return to competitive cricket later this month, featuring for his state side Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy," the report stated.

Baroda is expected to include him in their squad for the T20 tournament. The 32-year-old could feature in Baroda’s opening match on November 26 in Hyderabad, or at the latest, by their second fixture of the tournament.

Rohit Sharma has reportedly shown interest in representing Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, the Mumbai Cricket Association has not yet received formal confirmation. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has not shared any plans to play domestic cricket at this stage.

Hardik Pandya Likely to Get Match Time Before Returning to India Squad

Hardik Pandya has been putting in intensive rehab work at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Once he receives his Return to Play (RTP) clearance, he is expected to travel directly to Hyderabad to join the Baroda squad, with no break in between.

The selectors want him to get some game time in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before India begin their ODI series against South Africa. Pandya should play at least one domestic match before returning to the national setup.

“There will be no break for Pandya, and he will directly feature in the match after receiving Return to Play (RTP) from the CoE without any break. Pandya could well play at least one competitive fixture before donning the India jersey following a two-month layoff,” the report stated.

Hardik Pandya Has Not Featured in Competitive Cricket Since the Asia Cup 2025

Hardik Pandya has not featured in competitive cricket since the Asia Cup 2025, where he scored only 48 runs and took four wickets. He missed both the ODI and T20I series in Australia but is now on track to return for the white-ball series against South Africa.

In T20Is in 2025, he has scored 160 runs at a strike rate above 130 and taken nine wickets at a decent economy rate. His comeback will be an important part of India’s build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

India will play a three-match ODI series against the Proteas. The matches are scheduled to take place on November 30 (Ranchi), December 3 (Raipur), and December 6 (Visakhapatnam), followed by a five-match T20I series starting on December 9 in Cuttack.

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