SMAT 2025-26: Swagger, style, and stability — Hardik Pandya puts on a show at Uppal

One thing Hardik Pandya does very well is putting on a show. Fireworks were expected when Baroda drafted him into the playing eleven for its Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Punjab, his first game since India’s victorious run in the Asia Cup. The plan to increase security was validated when 10,000-odd fans thronged the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and all streets leading to it on Tuesday.

Hardik delivered, but chose cautious stability and over spectacle. While he landed in the city earlier this week, there remained uncertainty about Baroda fielding Hardik immediately. But all doubts withered away as he walked out for pre-match training.

On matchday, with a crowd barely seated in its eagerness to cheer everything the object of its attention was doing, Hardik’s chance to flex his muscles was delayed as Baroda was asked to field. A flat pitch offered nothing for the all-rounder to work with as he finished as his team’s most expensive bowler. The wicket of Anmolpreet Singh was consolation on a day when he conceded 52 runs (7×4, 2×6).

Hardik Pandya intervenes as security escorts a fan away during the clash between Baroda and Punjab.
| Photo Credit:
K.V.S. Giri

None of that brought down the tension in the air, as fans waited with bated breath to see the all-rounder swing his willow.

Walking out in the sixth over in the second innings, Hardik masterfully kept Baroda in the 223-run chase. If quick singles and breezy twos showed that he was back to full fitness, the rasping drives and lofted shots, peppering the ball across the ground, showed that he barely lost his touch.

The swagger in shots was like a hit of adrenaline for the fans, a few of whom managed to hoodwink security and make their way to the pitch. First, for a selfie with Hardik, who even made sure the fan got the opportunity to take a prized picture before being escorted off the field, promptly leading the stands to chant his name.

A few overs later, another managed to get a hug and a selfie with Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad star batter Abhishek Sharma. Two more got the same from Hardik. All of it left players and coaches bemused, the stands cheering loudly, and the organisers, probably, running helter-skelter over the lapses.

Hardik Pandya takes a selfie with school kids following’s Baroda’s seven-wicket win against Punjab.
| Photo Credit:
K.V.S. Giri

The cricket was just as entertaining with Hardik’s teammates on the sidelines lapping it all up, with loud applause all through.

Abhishek scored another quickfire 19-ball 50, only to be undone by a steady unbeaten 77 from 44 balls off Hardik’s bat. The underlying numbers were just as good: seven fours, four sixes, just eight dot balls, and a strike rate of 183.33.

Hardik Pandya — back in action and in sublime form. Just in time to get picked for India’s T20 series against South Africa? No reason not to think so.

Published on Dec 02, 2025