Hardik Pandya misses Baroda squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will miss the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026-27, as he has not been included in the Baroda squad. His brother, Krunal Pandya, will captain the 15-member side, which includes players such as Deepak Hooda and Jitesh Sharma.

Pandya has been sidelined from competitive cricket since May 24, 2026, following the Indian Premier League. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a tibial bone stress injury. His recovery has been hampered by a series of setbacks, including back spasms and a recent shin injury that forced him to withdraw from an India A series against Australia A in October.

Indian captain Shubman Gill noted that Pandya is expected to return through domestic cricket once fully fit. The management is prioritizing his long-term fitness, specifically aiming for his availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup.