Swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is finally set to return to international cricket in the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. After nearly three months on the sidelines due to a left quadricep injury suffered during the Asia Cup in September, Pandya has completed his rehabilitation and cleared his fitness with a match-winning performance for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy SMAT.
Hardik last played for India in the Asia Cup and has since undergone an intensive rehab program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoE in Bengaluru. The board had already indicated its intention to manage him as a T20I-only player in the build-up to the World Cup, keeping his workload restricted to the shortest format. Over the past six weeks, he completed his Return to Play RTP protocols and received clearance to resume full all-around duties.
The 32-year-old announced his return in brilliant fashion on Tuesday with an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls against Punjab in the SMAT, guiding Baroda to a seven-wicket chase of 223, the third-highest successful chase in the tournament's history. Even though his bowling wasn't up to the mark, as he returned with figures of 1 for 52 in four overs, his ability to deliver a full spell was a positive sign for the selectors and team management.
