India, Nov. 7 -- Hardik Pandya's wait for a return to competitive cricket is set to continue after he was left out of the 15-man Baroda squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India's premier domestic T20 tournament beginning on November 14

The 32-year-old allrounder has not played a competitive match since May 24, when he captained Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. His last appearance in national colours was in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in early March.

A series of physical setbacks has kept Hardik confined to the sidelines since then. The injury woes began with severe back spasms during IPL. He was initially included in India A's one-day squad for the series against Australia A in October. However, a shin injury for...