Will Hardik Pandya Play Opening Match of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025?

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been one of the biggest assets for his team in white-ball cricket. Over the last few years, he has established himself as a premier white-ball cricketer but has also stayed away from red-ball cricket due to injury concerns.

With Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy having started right now, there have been speculations of Hardik playing in this league. Hardik plays limited cricket now and there have been calls of him playing in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well. Hardik Pandya SMAT inclusion will help the league as he brings international experience into it.

Is Hardik Pandya Playing Today?

Baroda is playing Bengal in their first match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 at Hyderabad. Hardik Pandya, who represents the Baroda cricket team, is likely to feature in this match. He will be expected to play a key role with both bat and ball.

Hardik, who is currently one of the best all-rounders in the world, is a big-match player capable of turning games at any point. However, his injury-prone nature has kept him out of some of the highly important games, which have affected his team.

He is in Baroda's squad for the first match but it is not clear whether he is going to play or not. The all-rounder will be available for most of the group stage matches in SMAT 2025, according to Baroda's head coach.

Hardik Pandya Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy importance has risen as he will be aiming to prove his match fitness ahead of the T20I series against South Africa. In the SMAT 2025, he will be playing under his brother Krunal Pandya.

Hardik Pandya Injury Update

Pandya recently went to the BCCI's COE in Bengaluru to achieve match fitness ahead of the T20I series against South Africa. He is likely to play a key role since he is a big part of India's T20 plans.

With the T20 World Cup in just a few months, India will hope Hardik Pandya to remain fully fit. His skills with both bat and ball are unmatched and his experience in Indian conditions are likely to come in handy. While he might not play all the matches in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he will be aiming to regain some form ahead of an important T20 season.