Hardik Pandya returns to Baroda squad for match against Mumbai in Ranji Trophy

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been named in the Baroda squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai that is scheduled to be held on December 14.

Pandya has been out of cricketing action since September when he sustained a back injury during the Asia Cup.

Snehal Parikh, the secretary-in-charge of the Baroda Cricket Association confirmed Pandya’s inclusion in the team in an interaction with PTI.

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The fast bowling all-rounder has been under rehabilitation and is unavailable for India’s ongoing tour of Australia. Pandya’s inclusion in the team thus means that Babashafi Pathan who is also an all-rounder would miss out on the Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.

The 15-member squad also features Yusuf Pathan, captain Kedar Devdhar and pacers Lukeman Meriwala, Rishi Arothe.
Baroda have won one and lost one in the five games they’ve played in the Ranji Trophy so far.  The other three games they’ve played have been draws and they currently sit in the fifth place with 13 points in the combined rankings for Group A and B.

They would fancy their chances against Mumbai, who have been off-colour this season and are struggling in the 16th place with just five points.

Baroda squad: Kedar Devdhar (Captain), Aditya Waghmode, Vishnu Solanki (Vice Captain), Yusuf Pathan, Swapnil Singh, Bhargav Bhatt, Soeb Tai, Rishi Arothe, Lukman Meriwala, Shivalik Sharma, Mitesh Patel (wicket-keeper), Dhiren Mistry, Soyeb Soparia, Pratyush Kumar and Hardik Pandya.
Image credit-Firstpost Hindi