'Why didn't Pandya Bros play for Baroda?' - Questions being raised on Hardik, Krunal's non-participation in Dr Thimmappiah Trophy

In recent times, star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has witnessed many defining moments in his career. From his return to Mumbai Indians as the skipper and getting booed by fans across the country to helping team India lift the T20 World Cup 2024, the year has been a roller coaster ride for Hardik. 

Hardik’s last game for India came against Sri Lanka in the latter stages of July 2024 in the T20I series, and he has yet to feature for the side ever since. With team India well into their Test series with Bangladesh, Hardik could feature for the side in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. 

However, there have been many discussions about Hardik and his brother Krunal’s absence from even domestic cricket. It is worth noting that the Karnataka State Cricket Association is currently hosting the Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy 2024-25 at SJCE Grounds and SDNR Wadiyar Stadium, and with Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) participating in the tournament, there are questions being raised about the Pandya brothers’ absence. 

Makarand Waingankar - who is a former CEO of BCA, a columnist, and a former administrator with various BCCI units - took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and asked why the brothers were not playing in the tournament. 

“Why didn't Pandya Bros play for Baroda in the Dr Thimmappiah tournament which is being played at Bangalore ? Why is the association which was represented by great Vijay Hazare and others letting prima dona culture spoil the team spirit?” Waingankar tweeted. 

With little to no information on Krunal Pandya, there have been reports of Hardik making a return to the longest format. The star all-rounder could feature for Baroda as per a source from the Baroda Cricket Association. 

It is worth noting that Hardik has not played a Test match for India since 2018. Whether he would feature for Baroda in both red and white-ball cricket now is a big question. But if he does feature for Baroda in the longest format, it could increase his chances of being selected for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 

Why were top Indian batters looking rustic today?: Waingankar

Waingankar also shared his opinion on the first day's play of the first Test between India and Bangladesh being played at Chennai. The former administrator was critical of India's batting performance, especially of senior players who rested themselves recently. Waingankar further said that those players found it difficult to adjust to different techniques.

Talking about the match, the Indian top order failed in the second innings. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for just five runs while Virat Kohli, who was looking good, was out for 17. Yashasvi Jaiswal too could not build on his first innings knock and was dismissed for 10. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill have stabilised the innings and the score is 121/3 early on Day 3.