Hardik Pandya to play under Krunal’s captaincy in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Hardik Pandya could be donning his Baroda hat in a T20 game for the first time in eight years as the all-rounder was named in the Gujarat-based side’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 squad on November 19 (Tuesday). The side will be led by Krunal Pandya. 

The SMAT starts on November 23, just a day ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Though Mumbai Indians have retained Hardik, it is the likes of Krunal that will have the last chance to influence the mind of IPL’s franchisee. Krunal was released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). 

Baroda have been in great form in red-ball cricket, topping Group A in the Ranji Trophy with 27 points from the first five matches. Last season, Baroda, under Krunal, had made it to the final of SMAT 2023-24 but had to come home empty-handed after losing to Punjab in the final.  

Hardik last played for Baroda in a T20 way back in 2016 against Uttar Pradesh. That game was also part of SMAT and Hardik had not made his India debut till then. As for his last game for Baroda in all formats is concerned, it was a Ranji Trophy encounter in December 2018 against Mumbai. 

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