Baroda name 15-man SMAT squad without Hardik Pandya, Krunal to captain

Baroda have announced a 15-player squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026, leaving out Hardik Pandya from the group named on November 7, 2026. Krunal Pandya has been appointed captain, with Atit Sheth named as his deputy.

The side includes experienced domestic names such as Deepak Hooda and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, alongside Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat and Amit Passi. Baroda are scheduled to open their campaign against Chandigarh, with Mumbai also among the opponents they will face in the tournament. Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya and Safvan Patel have been named as stand-by players.

Hardik Pandya’s last appearance for Mumbai Indians in the IPL came on May 24, 2026. His most recent international outing for India was in a T20I series at home against New Zealand, played before that IPL stint. He was subsequently withdrawn from India’s one-day squad after sustaining a fresh shin injury during the series against Australia A in October 2026, and has since been working on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Why has Hardik Pandya been left out of Baroda’s squad?

Hardik Pandya’s absence from the Baroda squad is directly linked to the shin injury he picked up during India’s tour of Australia in October 2026. That setback forced him out of India’s ODI squad and has kept him away from competitive cricket since his last Mumbai Indians appearance on May 24, 2026.

With India’s next T20I assignment scheduled at home against Sri Lanka in December 2026 and the ODI World Cup on the horizon, managing Pandya’s fitness has become a priority. India head coach Gautam Gambhir has described Pandya as “extremely important” to the side’s plans, a sentiment that underlines why the team management is cautious about rushing him back.

Jasprit Bumrah has also been cited alongside Pandya as a key figure in India’s attack, reflecting the significance placed on both players’ availability heading into major assignments. The pacer is currently featuring for India A in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A at Lincoln.

What does Baroda’s squad look like without Hardik Pandya?

In Pandya’s absence, Krunal Pandya takes charge of a squad that carries a solid blend of domestic experience and younger talent. Deepak Hooda, a seasoned campaigner in white-ball cricket, adds batting depth, while Jitesh Sharma provides a dynamic wicketkeeping option alongside Amit Passi.

The pace and spin resources include Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Raj Limbani and Rasikh Salam, with Parikshit Patidar, Hemant Punde, Rasik Dar and Dhruv B. rounding out the group. Shivalik Sharma and Shashwat Rawat offer additional batting cover. The stand-by trio of Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya and Safvan Patel provides the selectors with flexibility should any changes be required before or during the tournament.

Baroda full squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026

Krunal Pandya (C), Atit Sheth (VC), Deepak Hooda, Shivalik Sharma, Shashwat Rawat, Amit Passi (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhanu Pania, Mahesh Pithiya, Parikshit Patidar, Hemant Punde, Raj Limbani, Rasik Dar, Rasikh Salam, Dhruv B, Safvan Patel

Stand-by: Chintal Gandhi, Priyanshu Moliya.