Hardik Pandya comebacks to cricket after World Cup Injury in DY PATIL T20 Tournament, picks two wickets.

Hardik Pandya made a triumphant comeback to competitive cricket with a significant performance for Reliance 1 during the 18th edition of the DY Patil T20 Cup 2024 at the DY Patil Stadium on Monday, February 26. The talented all-rounder had been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in October-November

In Reliance 1’s match against Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Pandya showcased his skills by claiming two wickets for 22 runs, contributing to his team’s effort in restricting BPCL to 126 in 18.3 overs. Alongside Pandya, Piyush Chawla (3/15) and Dev Lakra (3/31) also made crucial contributions with the ball. Anukul Roy was the highest scorer for BPCL, accumulating 30 runs. Despite a solid start by Reliance 1’s openers, a middle-order collapse ensued, leaving them at 113 for eight. Pandya, batting at No. 10, remained unbeaten on 3 (4), guiding his team to a thrilling victory alongside Piyush Chawla.

Following his injury, Pandya diligently worked on regaining full fitness over the past two months. He, along with Rishabh Pant, engaged in three practice Twenty20 matches in Alur, organized by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. After resuming training in Baroda three weeks ago and participating in the practice matches both as a batter and a bowler, Pandya received a clearance certificate from the NCA to participate in the DY Patil tournament.