Hardik Pandya to Further Strengthen Baroda in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Indian star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to play for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) from December 28. He has decided to do so after much uncertainty over his participation earlier, which will be a big boost for Baroda as they go about their campaign in the domestic one-day competition.

Pandya Return: A Game Changer for Baroda

It was reported a week ago that Hardik Pandya has decided to leave the VHT for personal reasons. But fresh updates received from the Baroda Cricket Association confirm that Pandya has sorted out his issues and joined the team in Hyderabad. This is at an apt time since Baroda is getting ready to play Bengal in their third round clash.

Already captained by Hardik's elder brother Krunal Pandya, Baroda has made good form in the tournament so far. They have emerged successful against Tripura and Kerala in the first two rounds. Hardik Pandya would add more depth as well as versatility to this side as they look ahead to continue their winning trail.

A Mandate from the Top

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, or BCCI, with the national selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar, have always wanted to get players to play in domestic tournaments. Such a policy ensures that top cricketers stay abreast of the longer formats and keep themselves match-fit. Hardik Pandya, who has played most of his matches in the last one year in T20, fits into the policy by joining the VHT.

Preparing for the Champions Trophy

Playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is much more than a domestic assignment for Hardik-it's a step that could help him prepare for the February-March Champions Trophy. The selectors would closely watch his performance as he would be switching to 50-over format cricket after spending a considerable period of time playing T20 cricket.

This will mark a challenging task for Hardik in the last 14 months where he has appeared in 38 T20 matches including international games and IPL encounters, along with Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Shorter formats, with an increased workload have demanded his endurance and long format cricket will test both of them.

Hardik Pandya's recent performances during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy show off his promise for the impact in the VHT. He has played seven matches of SMAT and garnered 246 runs and grabbed six wickets, leading Baroda to the semis. His dual game as a batsman as well as a bowler will definitely make Baroda a more promising contender of the ongoing tournament.

Schedule for the Upcoming Matches of Baroda

Games against Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi are lined up following the battle against Bengal for Baroda. Games against Bihar and Madhya Pradesh could get Hardik in a rhythm while two games against Delhi could create enough case for him being in the Champions Trophy team for India.

The Road Ahead

Participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy explains his commitment to the sport and his preparedness towards facing challenges in different formats. For Baroda, his return is a booster for morale and also is a tactical advantage in sailing through the competitive landscape of this tournament.

As Hardik steps out to bat, the cricket fans and selectors will eye him with hawk-like glances. His Hyderabad game and subsequent matches may seal the fortunes of Baroda besides going a long way in deciding his own cricketing career in India.

All reasons were there for the fans of Baroda cricket as Hardik Pandya was all set to come and bring his dynamic skill into the tournament. All's well and all eyes glued to him as he is going to state his presence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.