Is Hardik Pandya Playing Baroda's 2nd Match Against Puducherry in SMAT 2025?

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is currently playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for his domestic team, Baroda. The tournament is crucial as Hardik aims to prove his match fitness ahead of the T20I series against South Africa.

However, India's star-allrounder wasn't included in the Playing 11 for Baroda's first match of the tournament against Bengal. It was a big surprise as it raised concerns over Hardik Pandya's fitness ahead of the highly important international summer.

Is Hardik Pandya Playing Today?

Unfortunately, Hardik Pandya wasn't included in Baroda's second match of the SMAT 2025 as well. The all-rounder missed his team's second match against Puducherry as well which further raised concerns over his injury.

Currently, there are no Hardik Pandya injury updates available officially and it remains to be seen when he plays his first match of the season. However, the Baroda coach had hinted before the tournament that Pandya will be available for a few matches this tournament before leaving for India's T20I series against South Africa.

Hardik Pandya is one of the best all-rounders in the world and can be a huge asset for any team in white-ball cricket. He is a big match player and has skills to contribute equally with bat and ball. However, the injury-prone nature of his body has often kept him out of some of the most important matches of his career.

The talented all-rounder is a high-quality finisher and can bowl at any stage of the game. His unreal skills to deliver at crunch situations makes him such a useful cricketer. He is expected to play a key role for India in the T20 World Cup 2026 as the Men in Blue aim to defend their title in home conditions.

Baroda Lose Opening Match

Baroda lost the first match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 to Bengal by 6 wickets. Batting first, Baroda scored a 181-8 on the back of Bhanu Pania's brilliant half-century and knocks from captain Krunal Pandya and Shivalik Sharma.

Chasing a decent target, Bengal chased it down in 17.1 overs. It was an excellent chase from Bengal as Abishek Porel, Karan Lal, and Shahbaz Ahmed played brilliant knocks. Hardik Pandya Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy availability is a big boost for Baroda. With Baroda already having lost the first match, the all-rounder will be looking to return to the cricket field soon.