[WATCH] SMAT 2025: Pitch invader snaps selfie with Hardik Pandya during match, video goes viral

A spectator ran to the playing field and captured a selfie with Hardik Pandya during a 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Baroda and Punjab on December 2. The viral incident occurred during the first innings of the clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. 

Interestingly, Hardik obliged the fan before a security personnel clutched the invader and led him back towards the boundary line. It appeared that Hardik gestured the security officials to not be too harsh on the fan while

he was being taken away.

Meanwhile, Hardik made a comeback with this game after recovering from a quadriceps injury during the 2025 Asia Cup, which India eventually won by defeating Pakistan. He missed the Asia Cup final as well as the tour of Australia that followed. The all-rounder is also not a part of the ongoing home series against South Africa, missing the ODI series. The T20I squad for the all-format series against the Proteas has not been announced yet and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to participate.

Hardik's return with the ball was not what he would have hoped for. Opening the bowling under the captaincy of elder brother Krunal Pandya, the Indian all-rounder conceded 52 runs in his four-over spell while picking up a wicket as Baroda ended up conceding 222/8 after Punjab opted to bat.

Speaking of his performance during the run-chase, Hardik smacked an unbeaten 77 off 42 with seven fours and four sixes. Baroda eventually won by a seven-wicket margin. They will take on Gujarat in their next clash on December 4 at the same venue.