Hardik Pandya, India’s ace all-rounder, will plan his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. The Baroda star will play two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in January before resting for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Hardik Pandya is set to play for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches against Vidarbha on January 3 and Chandigarh on January 8. He will, however, miss the January 6 match against Jammu and Kashmir to allow for adequate rehabilitation time.
“Yes, it’s confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. He’s not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup,” a source familiar with the matter said.
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah to skip New Zealand ODIs
Though the 32-year-old is keen on playing in the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, the Indian think-tank advised him to take a break. With a five-match T20I series against the same opponents starting January 21 followed by the T20 World Cup from February 7 — concerns have now shifted to ensuring that the all-rounder remains in top physical condition.
He last played an ODI in March, at the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Since then, injuries have limited his availability. A left quadriceps injury acquired during the Asia Cup Super Fours in September forced him to miss the following tours. However, the all-rounder made a good comeback during India’s recent T20I series victory over South Africa, resuming full bowling and batting duties with no indications of rust.
Pandya is as critical to India’s T20 World Cup prospects as Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has been granted leave for all Vijay Hazare Trophy games, and it’s a decision that follows the BCCI directive to centrally contracted players appearing in domestic competitions while managing their workload with an eye on their long-term fitness.
The India ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced in early January and Gill comes back as captain. The selection committee will, in the interim, monitor Shreyas Iyer’s return to fitness and talk about wicketkeeping options.
