India’s star pace-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to return to action before the limited-overs series against South Africa at home. Pandya is highly likely to represent Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 clash against Bengal in Hyderabad on November 26.
As per a report by TOI, Pandya is close to match fitness. He is currently training at BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru where he will get Return to Play (RTP). Even if he misses the first game, he will play in the second game against Puducherry before joining the India camp for the first ODI in Ranchi.
Pandya's last appearance in the Indian jersey was in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka. He suffered a left quadriceps injury which ruled him out of the T20 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. He also missed the limited-overs tour of Australia.
The three-ODI series will conclude on December 6 in Visakhapatnam. It is followed by a five-T20I series from December 9 to December 19.
Will Pandya play Vijay Hazare Trophy?
It is yet to be seen whether Pandya will make himself available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 which begins on December 24. If he is not given a break after the South Africa series, he can play Baroda's all league matches, concluding on January 8 before rejoining the India camp for the ODI series against New Zealand on January 11 in Vadodra.
Meanwhile, as per a report by the Indian Express, the BCCI has asked Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play white-ball domestic cricket as they have retired from T20Is and Tests.
Pandya’s underwhelming ODI record vs South Africa
Pandya does not have the best of records in ODIs against South Africa. He has played eight ODIs against South Africa and scored 41 runs from five innings. With the ball, he has five wickets at an average of 59.80.