Baroda name SMAT squad without Hardik, Krunal to captain

Baroda has named a 15-player squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy without India allrounder Hardik Pandya, appointing his brother Krunal captain for the domestic T20 tournament.

The squad was announced on November 7. Atit Sheth is vice-captain, while the group also includes Deepak Hooda, wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, Shivalik Sharma and Shashwat Rawat. Baroda’s opening match is against Chandigarh on November 14.

Hardik’s omission comes as he continues rehabilitation after injury. Reports say he withdrew from India A’s one-day series against Australia A in October after suffering a fresh shin injury. He has not played competitive cricket since May 24, when he represented Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

One report said the Board of Control for Cricket in India instructed Baroda to let Hardik focus on rehabilitation at its Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Another reported that he was still experiencing pain while bowling during rehabilitation. Those details have not been accompanied by a direct statement from Hardik, and no return date has been established.

The tournament is scheduled to run from November 14 to December 6. Baroda’s squad also includes Amit Passi, Bhanu...