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.
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, Bumrah to skip NZ ODIs
While the 32-year-old was keen to be part of the ODI series against New Zealand beginning January 11, the Indian team think-tank advised rest. With the five-match T20I series against the same opponents starting January 21 and the T20 World Cup scheduled for February 7, the focus has shifted towards keeping the all-rounder in peak physical condition.
He last played an ODI in March during the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Since then, injuries have depleted his availability. A left quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup Super Fours in September sidelined him from the subsequent tours. However, the all-rounder made a strong return during India’s recent T20I series win over South Africa, resuming full bowling and batting duties and showing no signs of rust.
Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Pandya remains one of the most important players of India’s T20 World Cup plans. While Bumrah has been exempted from Vijay Hazare Trophy duties altogether, Pandya’s limited domestic appearances also match with the BCCI’s directive that centrally contracted players participate in domestic cricket, without compromising long-term fitness.
India’s ODI squad for the New Zealand series is expected to be announced in early January, with Shubman Gill likely to return as captain. Meanwhile, the selection committee will also monitor Shreyas Iyer’s recovery and deliberate over wicketkeeping options.
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