Hardik Pandya left out of Baroda's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad, Krunal named captain

The wait for India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's return to the field has grown longer. Baroda have announced a 15-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27, and Hardik is not in it. The domestic T20 tournament begins on November 14.

Hardik has been out of the Indian team with several injuries. For the past few months he has been working on his fitness at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. He has been away from the field since IPL 2026 and has spent most of his time at the centre.

During the IPL, Hardik first suffered a back injury. He was then kept out by a hamstring strain as well. His last international match was against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final.

In October, Hardik was included in the India 'A' team for the home one-day series against Australia 'A'. He had to withdraw after a fresh calf injury.

The Indian team is currently playing a five-match ODI series against New Zealand. It then has a home T20 international series against Sri Lanka in December. The ODI World Cup is due in South Africa next year, and the team management wants Hardik to return as soon as possible.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has said plainly that Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are important players for the team. But until both are fully fit, there is no question of playing them in a major tournament such as the World Cup. The team management does not want to take any risk with the fitness of either player.

Krunal Pandya has been given the captaincy of the Baroda side. Experienced players such as Jitesh Sharma and Deepak Hooda are also in the squad. Baroda will begin their campaign on November 14 against Chandigarh in Mumbai.

The squad: Krunal Pandya (captain), Atit Sheth (vice-captain), Deepak Hooda, Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Amit Passi (wicketkeeper), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Parikshit Patidar, Hemang Punde, Raj Limbani, Rasikh Dar, Rasikh Salam and Dhruv B.