Hardik Pandya’s Tough Comeback: Concedes 52 Runs on Return to Competitive Cricket

Hardik Pandya finally returned to competitive cricket after more than two months, but his comeback didn’t go as planned. The Indian all-rounder, who last represented India on September 26 in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match against Sri Lanka in Dubai, turned out for Baroda in their fourth Elite Group C clash against Punjab at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Opening the bowling for the Krunal Pandya-led side, Hardik struggled to find rhythm and ended up having a forgettable outing with the ball. The 32-year-old conceded 52 runs in his four-over spell, picking up just one wicket. Punjab’s skipper Abhishek Sharma took the attack to Hardik early, smashing a blistering 50 off just 19 balls. No. 3 batter Anmolpreet Singh added to the pressure with a powerful 69 from 32 deliveries.

Despite an expensive spell, Hardik managed to break the partnership by dismissing Anmolpreet in his final over—offering a small consolation in an otherwise rough return.

Hardik had missed Baroda’s first three matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, and expectations were high as he took the new ball on Tuesday morning. However, the all-rounder couldn’t make the impact fans were hoping for.