Hardik Pandya to Play Key Matches for Baroda Ahead of ODI Series
Hardik Pandya's Upcoming Matches
In New Delhi on December 30, it has been announced that Hardik Pandya, the seam-bowling all-rounder from India, will participate in two of Baroda's last three league matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy scheduled for January. He will be resting for the ODI series against New Zealand, which kicks off on January 11.
A source confirmed, "Hardik will play for Baroda in their matches against Vidarbha and Chandigarh on January 3 and 8, respectively. However, he will miss the game against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6 to ensure he has enough recovery time leading up to the T20 World Cup."
Although Pandya expressed a desire to play in the ODIs against New Zealand, the team's management recommended he take a break to ensure he is in optimal condition for the upcoming T20I series and the crucial T20 World Cup.
Pandya's last ODI appearance was in March during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. He is expected to return alongside fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21, just before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7.
Both players are viewed as vital for India's title defense in the T20 World Cup, although Bumrah will not participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
After recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup Super Fours against Sri Lanka in September, Pandya resumed full all-rounder duties during India's recent 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa in December.
The ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be revealed when the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, convenes in the first week of January. Shubman Gill is anticipated to return as captain after missing the previous ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury.
The selectors are also expected to receive updates on Shreyas Iyer's fitness, who has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after recovering from a serious spleen injury incurred while attempting a catch during an ODI against Australia.
Additionally, the selectors will likely discuss the second wicketkeeper position, with Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel performing well, creating competition for the current keeper, Rishabh Pant.