Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to be seen in action in the Baroda jersey in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, marking his return to the domestic T20 tournament after nearly eight years. This move comes on the brink of IPL Auction 2025.
Although Hardik has been retained by Mumbai Indians to lead their side in IPL 2025, he was not the 1st retention. Instead, Jasprit Bumrah was made Mumbai Indians’ 1st retention for IPL 2025. Hardik would like to once again prove how that there’s no better all-rounder in Indian cricket’s limited-overs than him currently.
Pandya’s last appearance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was back in January 2016, when he was yet to make his international debut. The Baroda team is entering the tournament in fine form, having topped Group A in the first phase of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with an impressive 27 points.
Hardik Pandya ready for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 actions for Baroda
Baroda, placed in Group B, will compete against strong teams like Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Saurashtra, Karnataka, and Sikkim in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, which is set to kick off on November 23.
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Hardik Pandya’s return is a significant boost to Baroda’s chances of clinching the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 title. He will play under the captaincy of his elder brother, Krunal Pandya, in the domestic T20 tournament for Baroda. Hardik was recently part of India’s T20I series against South Africa, and he is now expected to play a crucial role in Baroda’s campaign.
A source was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “Usually, the association names 18-member squads, but this time around, only 17 members were named initially, and now, Hardik Pandya has also been added to the squad.”
Krunal Pandya, who once again gets the honor to lead Baroda for another season, has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. Under his captaincy, Baroda reached the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final last year, only to fall short against Punjab.
Krunal Pandya in stunning form both as Baroda captain and all-rounder
Krunal Pandya’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable in this domestic season. With 367 runs in seven innings during the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25, including a century and three half-centuries, and a standout century in the KSCA tournament final earlier, the Indian all-rounder has proven his mettle both as a leader and a player.
He would love to continue his red-hot form in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, which will feature many international stars this time around. In the previous edition of the premier T20 tournament, Krunal Pandya was Baroda’s leading run-scorer with 323 runs, including fifties.
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Krunal Pandya’s contributions with the ball were equally valuable, claiming seven wickets at a commendable economy rate of 6.03 in the last edition. As Baroda sets its sights on improving last year’s runner-up finish, Krunal Pandya’s consistency and leadership will be very crucial in their SMAT campaign.
Baroda eyes glory in the SMAT after missing the title last season
And now Hardik Pandya’s return to the domestic stage under his elder brother’s captaincy excites Baroda’s campaign in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25. The Pandya brothers, both in stellar form, will look to lead from the front as Baroda aims to rewrite history and win the coveted title this time.
