Hardik Pandya Confirms Two Vijay Hazare Trophy Appearances in Strategic T20 World Cup Build-Up

Mumbai Indians all-rounder **Hardik Pandya** has confirmed his return to competitive cricket, committing to two matches for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) in January. This move is part of a strategic workload management plan designed by the Indian team think-tank to ensure he is in peak physical condition for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Pandya is scheduled to play against Vidarbha on January 3 and Chandigarh on January 8. Notably, he will skip the intervening clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6 to allow for sufficient recovery time. Although the 32-year-old was keen to participate in the subsequent ODI series against New Zealand, the management advised rest, prioritizing the five-match T20I series and the crucial T20 World Cup starting February 7.

This limited domestic appearance aligns with the BCCI's directive for centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket while safeguarding their long-term fitness. Pandya, who recently returned to full all-round duties during the T20I series win over South Africa after recovering from a quadriceps injury, remains an indispensable asset for India's T20 World Cup title defense alongside Jasprit Bumrah.