Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s comeback from injury sparked excitement as a fan breached the outfield at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to take a selfie with him during the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash between Baroda and Punjab. This match marked the 32-year-old’s first competitive appearance since India’s Super 4 stage encounter against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai.
Hardik’s return to domestic cricket is a significant boost for India ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting December 9. The all-rounder had missed the Asia Cup Final, the Australia tour, and the recent ODI series against South Africa due to a quadriceps injury.
Under the captaincy of his brother Krunal Pandya, Hardik bowled with the new ball against Punjab’s explosive opening pair, Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh. During his spell, a fan managed to slip past security and take a selfie with Hardik before being escorted off the field. Watch the incident here:
A fan entered the ground and touched Hardik's feet.
Hardik pandya craze in hyderabad 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qsXhsdmNmx
— 𝙍𝙊𝘾𝙆𝙔 (@LoyalSRHfan) December 2, 2025
Towards the end of the video, Pandya could be seen gesturing toward security personnel as the fan was escorted off the field. Pitch invasions have increasingly become a recurring issue in Indian cricket matches.
In a recent incident, a fan bypassed security to reach the field and touch Virat Kohli’s feet while he was celebrating his 52nd ODI century during the series opener against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30
Hardik Pandya Returns With 1-52 As Punjab Post 222-8 In SMAT 2025-26
The all-rounder, unfortunately, turned out to be the most expensive bowler of the match, finishing with figures of 1-52 from his four overs. He did, however, manage to dismiss Anmolpreet Singh for 69, ending a threatening third-wicket partnership in the 15th over of the innings.
Punjab, building on their record 310-5 against Bengal, once again dominated with the bat to post another massive total. Hardik Pandya will have a crucial role with the bat if he wants to guide Baroda to victory and make an impression on the selectors ahead of the South Africa T20I squad announcement.
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