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Hardik Pandya Will Play The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26
Updated - 2-DEC-2025 5:27 IST

In his first professional cricket match since the end of September, Hardik Pandya will represent Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India's domestic Twenty20 tournament.
National selector Pragyan Ojha plans to be in attendance for the two games- against Punjab and Gujarat on December 2 and 4, respectively - to assess Hardik's match fitness.
Why Hardik’s SMAT 2026 Availability Matters
Hardik Pandya remains one of India’s most prized T20 assets—an explosive middle-order batter, a keen finisher, and a fast-bowling all-rounder who balances a squad. Selectors are focusing on analyzing match fitness, workload, and squad depth as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 draws near. The most stable method for assessing form before significant international events is the SMAT, India's top domestic T20 tournaments.
He Will Play the T20I Series against South Africa
Pandya may make his comeback to international cricket during India's five-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa, which starts from December 9. The India T20I squad will be announced by December 4.
His last appeal in the Asia Cup 2025 in September
Hardik Pandya played his last international cricket in September, was the Asia Cup 2025. India won the Asia Cup 2025 9 times by beating Pakistan by 5 wickets.