India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has suffered another setback in his comeback plans after being left out of Baroda’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026. The decision extends his absence from competitive cricket, with the 32-year-old yet to feature in a match since Mumbai Indians’ final IPL 2026 appearance on May 24.

Baroda announced their 15-member squad on November 7, with Hardik’s elder brother Krunal Pandya appointed captain and Atit Sheth named vice-captain. The squad includes experienced players such as Deepak Hooda and Jitesh Sharma, but Hardik’s absence is a major talking point ahead of the domestic T20 competition, which begins on November 14.

The latest development means Hardik has now missed 13 international assignments and domestic competitions since his last appearance for Mumbai Indians. With no confirmed date for his return, concerns are growing over his availability for India’s upcoming international commitments and preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Hardik’s last international appearance came in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand on March 8. India won the tournament, but the all-rounder has not represented the national team since that memorable night. His absence from international cricket has now stretched to eight months, while his break from competitive cricket has continued for nearly six months.

Fresh injury setback delays Hardik Pandya’s comeback

Hardik’s fitness problems began during IPL 2026, when he suffered back spasms and missed three matches for Mumbai Indians. Although he returned towards the end of the tournament, the recurring fitness concerns continued during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

The all-rounder was initially selected for India’s ODI series against Afghanistan in June, subject to fitness clearance. However, a quadriceps strain during rehabilitation prevented him from making his international comeback. He subsequently missed the England assignments as well as other white-ball commitments.

Another opportunity emerged when selectors included Hardik in the India A squad for the three-match one-day series against Australia A in October. The selection was expected to provide him with valuable match practice before a potential return to the senior Indian team.

However, his comeback plans suffered another blow after he sustained a fresh injury to his right shin. Following scans, he was advised to take complete rest for two weeks, which ruled him out of the Australia A series. The setback also ended his hopes of featuring in India’s white-ball tour of New Zealand, comprising five T20Is and five ODIs.

Reports have indicated that Hardik has continued his rehabilitation in Bengaluru. His return has been particularly challenging because of recurring physical setbacks, and he needs to regain the fitness required to contribute with both bat and ball. For India, his bowling workload remains an especially important consideration.

Gautam Gambhir highlights Hardik’s importance for 2027 World Cup

Hardik remains one of India’s most valuable white-ball cricketers because of his ability to contribute as a pace-bowling all-rounder. His batting provides the middle order with power, while his medium-fast bowling gives the team an additional option in different conditions.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously highlighted the importance of Hardik and Jasprit Bumrah for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Gambhir explained that very few teams have players capable of bowling 10 overs while also delivering impactful performances at No. 6 or No. 7. He also stressed that Hardik needs sufficient match practice before being considered ready for a major tournament.

The coach’s comments underline why India are unlikely to rush the all-rounder back before he achieves full fitness. Playing international cricket without the ability to bowl his complete quota could affect the team’s balance, particularly in challenging overseas conditions.

Which 13 series and tournaments has Hardik Pandya missed?

Since his last competitive appearance in May, Hardik has missed several opportunities to represent India across formats. His absence has covered bilateral series, the Asian Games, India A fixtures and now the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The list includes Afghanistan’s ODI and T20I assignments, the England white-ball series, Zimbabwe’s T20Is, the West Indies tour, the Asian Games, the Australia A one-day series and both legs of India’s New Zealand white-ball tour.

His omission from SMAT is particularly significant because domestic cricket could have offered him a practical route back to competitive action before another international selection.

When will Hardik Pandya return to cricket?

There is currently no officially confirmed comeback date for Hardik. India’s remaining scheduled white-ball assignment in 2026 is the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning December 13. However, his availability for that series remains uncertain.

The immediate priority will be completing his rehabilitation and regaining the bowling fitness required for international cricket. A return during IPL 2027 is also a possibility if his recovery takes longer, although no official announcement has confirmed that timeline.

For India, getting Hardik fully fit is more important than bringing him back in a hurry. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the team will hope its premier all-rounder can return to action with enough match practice and confidence.

Stay tuned to ROKOCRICKET for the latest updates on Hardik Pandya’s injury, comeback plans, Indian cricket team selections and the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.