India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has officially been cleared by the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence to resume competitive cricket, marking an important step in India’s build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. The clearance paves the way for Pandya to return to domestic action for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with his comeback fixtures set for December 2 against Punjab and December 4 against Gujarat.

Depending on how his body responds, a third outing later in the week also remains on the table. Hardik Pandya has been out of action since suffering a left quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup in September—a setback that ruled him out of the Australia series and India’s South Africa ODIs.

Hardik Pandya reported to the CoE on October 14, beginning an intensive six-week rehabilitation programme managed by the BCCI’s medical and sports science team. His recovery involved carefully structured workload increases, strength conditioning, and monitored skill sessions, all designed to ensure long-term durability rather than a rushed return.

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By November 30, Pandya completed the CoE’s extensive Return-to-Play pathway, receiving fitness clearance to resume full bowling and all-around duties. While there were early discussions about bringing him back directly for the South Africa ODI series, the medical staff and team management opted for a phased re-entry.

🚨 Hardik Pandya to Play SMAT Matches Ahead of India Comeback

Hardik Pandya will play two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games for Barodaon December 2 (vs Punjab) and December 4 (vs Gujarat)and may also play on December 6 against Haryana.

– Selector Pragyan Ojha will track his… pic.twitter.com/wuDW6cmMoP

— TheRealIPL (@the_ipl_com) December 1, 2025

The plan focuses on easing him into match intensity through domestic T20s, allowing him to regain rhythm, confidence, and workload consistency before taking on international responsibility.

Baroda will closely observe how Pandya handles consecutive matches, especially his bowling spells, as his all-round role remains crucial to India’s balance. The December 6 clash against Haryana is being kept as a flexible option should he recover well from the first two matches.

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National selector Pragyan Ojha has been assigned to monitor Pandya’s progress throughout SMAT and will update the Ajit Agarkar-led committee as they move toward finalising the T20I squad for South Africa.

India’s T20I leg of the South Africa tour begins on December 9 in Cuttack, followed by games in Mullanpur and other venues. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pandya’s carefully managed return offers India a significant boost, strengthening their roadmap for the future.