Hardik hasn't played any professional cricket since the Asia Cup in September, and will be hoping to prove his fitness
ahead of the T20Is against South Africa
Hardik Pandya will appear for Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), India's domestic T20 tournament,
marking his first appearance in professional cricket since the end of September. National selector Pragyan Ojha is
expected to be in attendance for the two games- against Punjab and Gujarat on December 2 and 4, respectively - to assess
Hardik's last appearance was for India, at the Asia Cup, during their Super Fours match against Sri Lanka on September
26. He has been out of action since then owing to a left quadricep injury. He arrived at BCCI's Centre of Excellence, in
Bengaluru, to begin his rehabilitation on October 15, and after a three-day break for Diwali, he has continued working
with them on his fitness during the stretch from October 21 to November 29.
He appears for Baroda at the SMAT with the BCCI selectors at the cusp of announcing the squad for the five-match T20I
series against South Africa. ESPNcricinfo understands that the selectors are expected to name a squad for the series in
the next couple of days. Hardik's availability for Baroda, and whether he can appear for any further fixtures, will
depend on if and when he is called up to join the India squad for preparation.
Baroda lost their opening encounters against Bengal and Puducherry at the SMAT - by six wickets and 17 runs,
respectively - but have bounced back to win against Himachal Pradesh.