Will Pandya Play Two Matches for Baroda in Vijay Hazare Trophy and Rest for NZ ODIs?
Synopsis
Hardik Pandya is gearing up to represent Baroda in crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, but will be rested for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. This decision aims to ensure he is in top shape for the T20 World Cup. Discover the implications of this strategy on India’s cricketing calendar.
Key Takeaways
Pandya will play for Baroda in two matches.
He will miss the ODI series against New Zealand .
Focus is on the upcoming T20 World Cup .
Workload management is crucial for the team's performance.
Selectors will announce the ODI squad soon.
New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to play in two of Baroda's last three league matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January, prior to being rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand set to commence on January 11.
“Yes, it’s confirmed that Hardik will participate in Baroda's matches on January 3 and 8, facing Vidarbha and Chandigarh. He will not play in the match against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he requires sufficient downtime to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup.
“While Hardik had expressed his desire to play in the ODIs against New Zealand, the team management advised him to take a break for this series, aiming to have him in peak condition for the subsequent T20I series and the crucial T20 World Cup,” a source close to the situation informed IANS on Tuesday.
Pandya's last ODI for India occurred in March, during the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Alongside top fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload also requires careful management, Pandya is expected to return for India's five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning on January 21, just before the T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7.
Both Pandya and Bumrah are regarded as crucial to India's hopes of defending their T20 World Cup title, although the latter has been excused from participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
Pandya resumed full all-round duties during India's 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa in December after recovering from a quadriceps injury incurred during the Asia Cup Super Fours matchup against Sri Lanka in September. This injury had kept him out of the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India's subsequent 2-1 T20I series triumph in Australia.
The announcement of India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series is expected when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee convenes in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to captain the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury.
The selectors are also anticipated to receive an official update on the condition of Shreyas Iyer, who has been training and enhancing his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Iyer has been sidelined after sustaining a serious spleen injury while attempting to catch a diving ball from Alex Carey during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney.
The selectors will likely also discuss the second wicketkeeper position, particularly with Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel performing well, thus posing strong competition to the current keeper Rishabh Pant.
Point of View
It's essential to provide an unbiased perspective on Hardik Pandya's situation. The decision to rest him for the ODIs against New Zealand reflects a strategic approach by the team management, prioritizing long-term performance over immediate participation. This aligns with India's goal of excelling in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hardik Pandya being rested for the ODIs?
The team management believes it's essential for Pandya to manage his workload effectively, ensuring he is in peak form for the T20 World Cup.
What matches will Hardik Pandya play in January?
Pandya is confirmed to participate in Baroda's matches against Vidarbha on January 3 and Chandigarh on January 8 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
How has Hardik Pandya's fitness been recently?
Pandya returned to full all-round duties following his recovery from a quadriceps injury sustained during the Asia Cup.
What is the significance of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is crucial for Baroda as it represents a key opportunity for players to showcase their skills and secure a place in the national setup.
Who else is being managed for workload in the Indian cricket team?
Along with Pandya, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also being managed carefully due to workload concerns.
