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Hardik Pandya Eyes Champions Trophy Berth Through VHT; Nitish Reddy's Place In Danger?

Anurag Dasgupta

Hardik Pandya eyeing India's place in Champions Trophy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com] Hardik Pandya eyeing India's place in Champions Trophy [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.Com]

Hardik Pandya, the star India all-rounder was not included in the Baroda squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage matches, however, as per the Baroda Cricket Association, he will make his return in the knockouts in the 50-over tournament.

Since the Bangladesh match in the World Cup 2023, where he suffered an ankle injury, Hardik has only featured in T20 matches, and has played 38 competitive T20 games for India, Mumbai Indians and Baroda.

He recently participated in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and was one of Baroda's best player as his team reached the semis, but lost against the Mumbai side. He will now take part for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and one important reason for this is the upcomimg Champions Trophy.

Since the Bangladesh game, Hardik hasn't played a 50-over contest, and now with just two months remaining in the mega event, the all-rounder wants to impress the selectors with his performances. The Indian team has tried different players in his spot in the ODIs, and Hardik's long-term spot seems in danger.

Nitish Kumar's place in danger?

India have tried different all-rounders in the last one year, with the likes of Riyan Parag also featuring in the ODIs, recently. One big hurdle for Hardik's comeback is the ongoing form of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has cemented his place in the Tests and T20Is.

The Andhra all-rounder excelled on his T20I debut and has been India's most promising player in the ongoing Test series Vs Australia. The Indian think-tank is also planning to include him in the ODI format. However, if Hardik performs well in VHT, the selectors could once again be tempted to include the ever-reliant Hardik in the Champions Trophy squad.

His experience will be crucial for Indi's chances, however, it could mean Nitish Kumar Reddy's exclusion, since India will likely travel with just one pace bowling all-rounder.