In a major boost for Team India ahead of the South Africa tour, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to return to competitive action later this month.
According to a report in The Times of India,
Pandya will turn out for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) before joining the national squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against the Proteas.
Currently completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Pandya is understood to be close to regaining full fitness. If recovery continues as planned, he could be available for Baroda's opening fixture in Hyderabad on November 26. Even if he misses the first game, reports suggest he will join the team by their second match.
The all-rounder has been working intensively with BCCI's medical and fitness staff to ensure he's ready for a full return to cricket. Once cleared by the Centre of Excellence, Pandya is expected to travel directly to Hyderabad to link up with his Baroda teammates, without taking any additional break.
India's ODI series against South Africa begins on November 30 in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur (December 3) and Visakhapatnam (December 6). The T20I leg of the tour will commence on December 9 in Cuttack.
Pandya has been out of action since suffering a left quadriceps injury during India's Asia Cup campaign against Sri Lanka earlier this year. The setback ruled him out of the tournament's final and subsequent tours to Australia. Before his injury, he managed 48 runs in four Asia Cup innings and claimed four wickets across six matches.
A successful return for Baroda would mark Pandya's first step back into top-flight cricket, setting the stage for his much-anticipated international comeback later this month.
