Hardik Pandya returned to competitive cricket on Tuesday, as he turned up for Baroda against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. And the India all-rounder made an immediate impact with the bat.
After Punjab piled on 222 for eight in their allotted 20 overs. Pandya led his team to victory with a 77 off 42 balls, peppered with seven fours and four sixes. With Pandya in top form, Baroda chased down the target in 19.1 overs.
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It was Pandya's first appearance since the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Sri Lanka in September. Though the 32-year-old had an underwhelming day with the ball -- he conceded 52 runs off his four overs -- he more than made up for it with the bat.
Will Hardik Pandya play T20Is vs SA?
Earlier, this week Pandya was cleared to play by BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. Pandya completed a month-long rehab programme at Indian cricket's prime training facility to recover from his left quadricep injury.
COE sources said that he was given a green signal to bat and bowl. Pandya made his return against Punjab and may also compete in a match against Haryana to regain match fitness.
With the India selectors yet to name the squad for the T20I series against South Africa, which begins on December 9, Pandya could make his way back to the team.
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