Hardik Pandya, the top all-rounder for India, has had a lot of career-defining experiences recently. It has been quite the year for Hardik, starting with the jeers he received when he returned to the Mumbai Indians as captain and continued to win the T20 World Cup 2024 with the Indian side.
In the latter half of July 2024, Hardik played his final match for India in the Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka. Since then, he has not played for the team. Hardik may be a member of the Indian squad for the forthcoming Twenty20 International Series against Bangladesh, given that the team is well into its Test series with the latter.
Regarding Hardik and his brother Krunal’s exclusion from even domestic cricket, there have been numerous conversations. Remember that the Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy 2024–25 is being held by the Karnataka State Cricket Association at SJCE Grounds and SDNR Wadiyar Stadium. The Pandya brothers’ absence from the tournament has drawn criticism, especially since the Baroda Cricket Association is also a participant.
The brothers’ absence from the competition was questioned by senior journalist Makarand Waingankar on X, formerly known as Twitter.
How come Pandya Bros didn’t represent Baroda at the Dr. Thimmappiah competition in Bangalore? “Why is the prima dona culture destroying the team spirit within the association that was represented by the great Vijay Hazare and others?” Twitter was used by Waingankar.
Why didn’t Pandya Bros play for Baroda in the Dr Thimmappiah tournament which is being played at Bangalore ? Why is the association which was represented by great Vijay Hazare and others letting prima dona culture spoil the team spirit ?
— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) September 20, 2024
Hardik Pandya is expected to return to the red ball soon
There’s been anecdotal evidence, based on scant to nonexistent information, that Hardik is returning to the longest format. According to a source from the Baroda Cricket Association, the talented all-round player might play for Baroda.
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It is noteworthy that Hardik hasn’t participated in an Indian Test match since 2018. It’s unclear at this point if he would play for Baroda in red- and white-ball cricket. However, if he does play in the longest format for Baroda, it might improve his chances of getting chosen for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024–2025.
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