Pandya likely to play two games for Baroda in Vijay Hazare Trophy, set to be rested for NZ ODIs

NEW DELHI: India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to feature in two of Baroda’s final three Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches in January, before being rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11.

“Yes, it’s confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. He’s not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.

“Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup, ” a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday.