
No Place For Hardik In Baroda's SMAT Squad, Krunal Appointed Captain
What Happened?
Hardik Pandya is not included in Baroda's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with Krunal Pandya appointed as captain. Hardik's return to competitive cricket is delayed due to injuries.
Key points
- Hardik Pandya has not played since May 2026 due to injuries.
- He missed the home series against Afghanistan and the UK tour.
- Krunal Pandya will lead the Baroda team, assisted by Atit Sheth.
- Baroda's first match is against Chandigarh on November 14.
- The tournament final is scheduled for December 6.
Key insights
- Krunal's leadership may influence team dynamics positively.
- Hardik's ongoing injuries raise concerns about his future in cricket.
- The absence of a star player like Hardik could affect fan engagement.
Why it matters
Hardik's absence could impact Baroda's performance in the tournament.
Entities
Source
Times Now
