Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Test: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Return for SA T20Is?

All-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to make a comeback to competitive cricket in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), fueling speculation about his availability for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. This marks his first professional appearance since late September, following a significant injury layoff. Pandya will represent Baroda in the domestic T20 tournament, facing Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana. His participation is seen as a crucial step to prove his match fitness and potentially earn a spot in the national squad for the T20Is against South Africa, scheduled to begin on December 9th. Reports suggest a national selector will be present to assess his condition. Pandya has been diligently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru since mid-October after sustaining a left quadricep injury during the Asia Cup in September. The Indian selectors are expected to announce the squad for the South Africa T20I series shortly.