Hardik Pandya Cleared for Return, Set to Feature in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Hardik Pandya
All-Rounder
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is set to make his return to competitive cricket in the upcoming 2025-2026 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The star all-rounder has been sidelined since sustaining a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match against Sri Lanka, which forced him to miss the final.
This news provides a major boost for both the national team and the Mumbai Indians franchise, which Pandya is slated to lead in the IPL 2026 season. Baroda's head coach, Mukund Parmar, confirmed that Pandya is expected to be available for the majority of the team’s group matches in the domestic T20 tournament, which begins on November 26.
Pandya's return, likely in the opening match against Bengal or the second fixture against Puducherry, signals his readiness to resume his crucial role as a middle-order batter and bowler. His successful comeback is highly anticipated as he prepares for the demands of the IPL and the T20 World Cup 2026.
IPL 2025 Middle Order Run Leaders | Position Analysis
Best run at Middle Order position in IPL 2025
| Rank | Player | Team | runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | CSK | 3416 runs | |
| #2 |
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“Reports suggest that Baroda head coach Mukund Parmar has officially stated that Hardik will be available for the majority of the team’s group matches in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.”
Mukund Parmar, Baroda Head Coach
