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Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya made his highly anticipated comeback to the 50-over format on Saturday, December 28, but his return proved underwhelming. Playing his first one-day match in over 14 months, Hardik was dismissed after scoring just 1 run off 2 balls in Baroda’s Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 match against Bengal at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad.
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A Long-Awaited Return
Hardik’s previous 50-over outing was on October 19, 2023, during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh, where he suffered an injury that sidelined him for months. His return to action had been eagerly awaited, particularly with an eye on his potential inclusion in India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
A Brief Stay at the Crease
Walking in to bat at No. 5, Hardik managed to open his account with a single but was dismissed on the very next ball, caught by Sudip Kumar Gharami off the bowling of Pradipta Parmanik. This marked a disappointing start to his comeback in the 50-over format.
Missed Matches and Recent Form
Hardik had missed Baroda’s opening matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy due to personal reasons. However, his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this year had showcased his capabilities. He scored 246 runs in seven matches at a staggering strike rate of 193.70, including two fifties, and smashed 17 fours and 20 sixes.
On the bowling front, Hardik picked up six wickets in five innings, with his best performance coming in the quarterfinals against Bengal, where he took 3/27 to help Baroda secure a semifinal spot.
Looking Ahead
Despite the underwhelming start, Hardik remains a critical player for India’s plans in white-ball cricket. Fans and selectors alike will hope he can regain his rhythm in the coming matches as he continues his journey back to form in domestic cricket.
Hardik’s next opportunity to shine will be closely watched, as his contributions with both bat and ball remain invaluable for Baroda and potentially for Team India in upcoming international tournaments.
