Hardik Pandya Set To Play 2020 DY Patil T20 Tournament

Finally, the wait is over for the fans of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, as he is all set to make a return to the competitive cricket. The flamboyant cricketer will make his return to the game through DY Patil T20 Tournament for Reliance team at Navi Mumbai.

The talented Indian cricketer Pandya, who was last seen in action during India’s home T20I series against South Africa in September 2019 underwent successful surgery in October last year due to a back problem. He was seen bowling at the nets ahead of India’s ODI series against Australia last month but the 26-year-old failed to return to the field.

Earlier this month, Pandya was ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand after failing to regain full match fitness. The decision was taken after the 26-year-old consulted spinal surgeon James Allibone in the United Kingdom (UK).

While Pandya was undergoing training at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who stated the all-rounder’s fitness, said he is ‘not even fit to play a domestic game’ currently.

Hardik Pandya’s name is there on the team list:

Following the statement, it felt that Pandya will only be in the action when the IPL 2020 gets underway but the all-rounder is gearing up for a T20 game. This certainly comes as a piece of good news, especially ahead of the home series against South Africa.

“Yes, his name is there on the team list for Reliance1. He will play in the DY Patil T20, provided the National Cricket Academy (NCA, in Bengaluru where he is currently recuperating from his injury) releases him” a source informed as per ToI.

The national selectors are now likely to visit the DY Patil Stadium to track Pandya’s progress since coming back from injury. If he’s able to prove his fitness, Pandya, who’s played 11 Tests, 54 ODIs and 40 T20Is, will be picked for the three-match ODI series against South Africa, which will begin on March 12 at Dharamshala.

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