Hardik Pandya ruled out as Baroda announce squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27
(Courtesy : X)
Krunal Pandya will lead Baroda at the SMAT 2026-27.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) begins in less than a week, and teams are gearing up for India’s premier domestic T20 league. Baroda announced its squad ahead of the tournament, with Hardik Pandya left out.
The 33-year-old all-rounder is still rehabilitating from a tibial bone stress injury. Pandya has been out of action since the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL).
Hardik Pandya not selected in Baroda’s squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
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Hardik Pandya has not been included in the Baroda team; hence, the Indian all-rounder is set to remain out of action for a long time. He missed many crucial international matches due to injuries sustained during the IPL 2026.
In his absence, Krunal Pandya will continue leading the 15-man Baroda side in SMAT, which also includes Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Hooda, and Rasikh Salam. Hardik’s last international appearance came in March, earlier this year, when he played in the ICC T20 World Cup final against New Zealand.
Last month, the star all-rounder was named in India A’s one-day squad for the home series against Australia A. However, Pandya withdrew from the series due to a fresh shin injury. The 33-year-old has spent a lot of time at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru since IPL 2026.
Meanwhile, Baroda are drawn in Group C alongside Bengal, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Services, and Pondicherry.
Baroda’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27
Krunal Pandya (C), Atit Sheth (VC), Deepak Hooda, Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Amit Passi (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Parikshit Patidar, Hemant Punde, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar, Dhruv B. Patel, Safvan Patel.
38 teams will participate in the SMAT 2026-27, divided into 4 Elite groups (8 teams each) and 1 Plate group (6 teams). Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will clash in the first match of the SMAT 2026-27 from the Plate group on Saturday, November 14.
All 38 teams will take the field every other day; therefore, a player’s fitness and consistency become crucial for the team. Nitish Rana has been selected for Delhi’s SMAT team, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named Bihar’s new captain for the first two games.
Did Hardik Pandya play in the last edition of SMAT?
Yes, he played in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
Why will Hardik Pandya not participate in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27?
Hardik Pandya has been ruled out due to injury.
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