Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Dec 4: Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive cricket has generated such extraordinary fan excitement that organisers were compelled to shift the Baroda–Gujarat Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash from the modest Gymkhana Ground to the far larger Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The venue, known for hosting top-tier international and IPL matches, was deemed better equipped to handle the unexpectedly huge turnout and heightened security needs.

Officials said the decision followed unprecedented crowds gathering around team hotels, practice areas and ticket counters — far beyond what domestic cricket typically attracts. Baroda’s earlier match against Punjab had even seen multiple pitch invasions as fans rushed toward Hardik, underscoring the scale of the frenzy.

Hardik, returning from a long injury break, reignited fan passion instantly with a blistering 42-ball 77* in Baroda’s run chase of 223 against Punjab on Tuesday. He had been sidelined since suffering an injury during India’s Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka, which caused him to miss subsequent series against Australia and South Africa. After completing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and securing Return-to-Play clearance, he joined Baroda — now captained by his brother Krunal Pandya — for the ongoing SMAT season.

On Thursday, Baroda continued their strong run with a dominant eight-wicket win over Gujarat in an Elite Group C fixture, their third victory in five matches. Opting to bowl first, Baroda skittled Gujarat for just 70, with Raj Limbani delivering an impressive 3 for 5. The chase was completed in 6.4 overs with two wickets down, moving Baroda to the top of the group standings on net run rate.

Organisers said the surge in crowd interest was driven entirely by Hardik’s star power. “The enthusiasm for Hardik Pandya is unbelievable,” an official noted, adding that shifting the match to a high-capacity stadium was essential to ensure safety and smooth operations.