Hardik Pandya Shines in Comeback as Baroda Thrash Punjab in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Thriller
Hardik Pandya has managed to return to competitive cricket after some time away from the game. He played a significant role in Baroda’s glorious seven-wicket win over Punjab at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Tuesday, where they scored 769 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) December 2: Hardik Pandya made a sensational comeback to cricket on Tuesday, December 2 after recovering from almost two months off injured. Hardik scored 77 runs in Baroda’s victory over Punjab at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in his innings for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Hardik Pandya’s Sensational Return after Injury
Hardik Pandya had previously played for India during Asia Cup but has not played since quadricep injury. After an extended lay-off of more than two months, he still was uncertain about when he would return to competitive cricket.
This was Hardik’s first match of the year since India won the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s with Sri Lanka. He was injured at the time, and had to retire in the final against Pakistan and then he was in a white-ball game with Australia after it because of his injury.
Hardik’s Performance Anchors Baroda’s Victory
Hardik Pandya won a tough night bowling in Hyderabad on Tuesday. His average bowling figures were four overs with 52 runs and one taken for Anmolpreet Singh. Meanwhile Punjab team batters scored a remarkable total of 222 runs for Baroda over the limit of 20 overs, for eight wickets in 20 overs.
The elusive goal of 223 was extremely hard for Baroda to reach. But, they took their first step in their innings courtesy of the excellent run by Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat, who had scored 66 runs in just 5.1 overs with the pressure of Punjab’s weighty total.
Hardik batted at a good score of 92 for 2 in 7.2 overs, and he wanted to take advantage of the score and make it a big score for Baroda. In just 42 balls, he made an astounding 77 runs (a SR of 183.33), including 7 fours and 4 sixes. His brilliant performance led not only Baroda to victory but also helped Hardik Pandya return to cricket after being absent for an extended period and to prove that he can be a major player for Baroda as an all-around player.
Future Prospects: Hardik’s Role in Baroda and India’s T20I Squad
After completing his training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, Hardik Pandya returned to professional cricket with SMAT 2025 — which allowed him to play his first match against a tough Punjab team to regain his confidence.
It seems that Hardik can play in Baroda's next game of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Gujarat on December 4; however, to determine if he is included in India's T20I squad will determine if he plays for Baroda the entire tournament.
Baroda lost their first two matches of SMAT by losing to Bengal and Puducherry, respectively. However, after that, Baroda bounced back to defeat Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in their most recent two matches.
