Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Hardik Pandya named in Baroda squad

After a long injury lay-off, Hardik Pandya is set to return to first-class cricket. The India international has been named in the Baroda squad for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy fixture against Mumbai.

Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) secretary, Snehal Parikh, confirmed toSportstar on Monday that Pandya will feature in the game, which will be played at the Wankhede Stadium from Friday.

“This will be a good chance for him to prove his fitness before taking up international commitments. His presence will be a boost for the Baroda team as well,” Parikh said. He will be replacing Babashafi Pathan in the side.

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The all-rounder was ruled out of the limited overs’ leg of India A’s tour to New Zealand as he failed to recover. Pandya has been sidelined ever since breaking down with a back injury during India's Asia Cup opener in Dubai in September.

If Pandya can prove his fitness in the Ranji game against Mumbai, there is a possibility of him being considered for the last leg of the Australia tour.

In the Elite A group, Baroda has so far gathered 13 points from five games.