As the Vijay Hazare Trophy continues, the 50-over domestic tournament is set to receive a major boost.

Hardik Pandya, one of India's most dynamic all-rounders, is set to make his highly anticipated return to 50-over cricket during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 season.

This marks the end of a hiatus from the format for the India all-rounder that began after he sustained an injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. Pandya, who last featured in a 50-over match in October 2023, has since focused exclusively on T20 cricket.

Pandya had a dismal outing in the IPL 2024, but then rallied back superbly in India colours as the tea won the T20 World Cup in West Indies.

Since his return to competitive cricket in early 2024, Pandya has played 38 T20 matches. These include his crucial contributions to India's victorious campaign in the T20 World Cup held across the West Indies and the USA, where he featured in eight matches. His performances have kept him in the spotlight, but his absence from the ODI format has raised questions about his readiness for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Hardik Pandya eyes on the Champions Trophy

Pandya's return to 50-over cricket on December 28, representing Baroda in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Bengal at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad, is seen as a pivotal moment. With selectors and team management closely monitoring his performances, this comeback could influence his inclusion in India's Champions Trophy squad for February 2025.

Baroda, under the leadership of Krunal Pandya, Hardik's elder brother, has been in fine form this season. They currently lead Group E after convincing wins against Tripura and Kerala. Hardik's return is expected to further enhance their chances of clinching their first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy title. Earlier in the season, he played seven T20 matches for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before taking a brief break to address personal matters, as confirmed by Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) secretary Ajit Lele.