Why is Hardik Pandya not playing in group stage of Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25?

Hardik Pandya has not played any 50-over match since his injury in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Hardik Pandya is not a member of the Baroda team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25, which began on Saturday (December 21) at various venues.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection committee, directed by Ajit Agarkar, have stated unequivocally that all cricketers must compete in domestic events unless otherwise instructed or exempted.  

Hardik Pandya recently competed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, and Baroda advanced to the semi-finals. He totaled 246 runs and six wickets in seven matches.

Pandya (31) has not played an official ODI in nearly 14 months. His last ODI outing was against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup on October 19, 2023, in Pune, where he suffered an ankle injury and was sidelined for an extended spell. He has stopped playing red-ball cricket altogether.

Hardik Pandya to not play in group stage of Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda

The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) said the all-rounder will join the squad from the knockout stages of the 50-over tournament.

“He will play from the knockouts; he has informed us,” said Kiran More, a member of the Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) of the BCA.

Pandya’s participation in the One-Day domestic competition could be pivotal in his selection for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, especially as the Indian squad has discovered a potential like-for-like pace bowling alternative in Nitish Reddy.

Since his injury last year, Pandya has played 38 T20 matches, including internationals, the IPL, and domestic games, but no ODIs or tests.

Hardik Pandya makes U-turn; to play in group stage of VHT 2024

As per reports, all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Pandya, who was not included in Baroda’s initial team at the start of the campaign, will finally make his return this season.

As per Cricbuzz’s Vijay Tagore, Hardik Pandya will be available for Baroda from their third match in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The match will be played on December 28 in Hyderabad.

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