Star Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s comeback from injury drew major attention during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Baroda and Punjab in Hyderabad on Tuesday, December 2. A fan breached security at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and ran onto the field to meet the all-rounder.
Notably, this outing is his first match since getting injured during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 game against Sri Lanka. His presence in domestic cricket is crucial for Team India ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting on December 9. Pandya worked hard on regaining full match rhythm.
Watch: A Fan Breaches Security to Meet Hardik Pandya in SMAT
Hardik Pandya was opening the bowling for Baroda under his brother Krunal Pandya’s captaincy when an unexpected moment happened. Punjab’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh were at the crease as Hardik started his spell.
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In the middle of the over, a fan suddenly ran onto the field. He reached Hardik, touched his feet, and even took a quick selfie before security intervened. As the fan was taken away, Hardik made a few gestures towards the security staff.
Watch the video of the same posted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:
THE CRAZE FOR HARDIK PANDYA IN HYDERABAD.
– A fan entered into the ground & touched the feet of Hardik during SMAT. pic.twitter.com/6ikrVdlPLo
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 2, 2025
Things got more chaotic during the second innings as more fans breached the security to meet Pandya.
Play stopped multiple times in Hyderabad as fans kept running onto the ground to meet Hardik Pandya!#SyedMushtaqAliTrophy #BarodavsPunjab pic.twitter.com/klHmekLhHz
— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) December 2, 2025
Pitch invasions in India have become very common. During the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, one such incident happened again when a fan breached security. The fan ran onto the field and touched Virat Kohli’s feet while he was celebrating his 52nd ODI century.
Hardik Pandya Makes Forgettable Return to Competitive Cricket With Ball
Hardik Pandya returned to action after missing Baroda’s first three SMAT 2025 games. He opened the bowling for Krunal Pandya’s side, but the match did not go the way he would have hoped.
Pandya struggled with the ball and ended his spell as the most expensive bowler for his team. Hardik gave away 52 runs in his four overs and found it difficult to control Punjab’s scoring rate.
Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma attacked him early, smashing 50 off just 19 balls. Anmolpreet Singh also went after him and scored 69 from 32 deliveries. Hardik did get one moment of relief when he dismissed Anmolpreet in his final over, breaking a dangerous third-wicket partnership.
Hardik Pandya Helps Baroda Beat Punjab With Stunning Half-Century
Pandya played a crucial role with the bat in the run chase by hitting a brilliant half-century. The right-handed batter guided the team while they chased a huge target of 223.
Baroda completed the third-highest successful chase in SMAT history. Hardik finished the game in style by smashing three sixes in a row, sealing a seven-wicket victory with five balls left.
He scored an unbeaten 77 from 42 balls, including seven fours and four sixes. According to PTI, Hardik is also likely to feature in Baroda’s next match on December 4 against Gujarat. Selector Pragyan Ojha is expected to watch him to check his fitness before the national squad is finalized.
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