India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was a notable absentee from India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara, despite smashing a sensational 133 off 92 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that Hardik has not been cleared by the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to bowl 10 overs in a match, and with the T20 World Cup around the corner, his workload is being carefully managed.

BCCI: Hardik not cleared to bowl 10 overs

In a statement released on Saturday, the BCCI explained the rationale behind Hardik’s exclusion from the New Zealand ODI series.

“Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match and considering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow, his workload is being managed,” the BCCI said.

The decision reflects the board’s cautious approach to managing Hardik’s fitness, particularly his bowling workload, ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7 and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Hardik is expected to play a crucial role as a fast-bowling all-rounder in the tournament, and the BCCI does not want to risk aggravating any potential injuries by overloading him in the ODI series.

Hardik’s explosive century in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Earlier on Saturday, Hardik delivered a breathtaking performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, hammering a barrage of sixes—including five in a row—on his way to a 92-ball 133 for Baroda against Vidarbha. He struck an overall eight sixes and 11 fours, firing Baroda to 293 for nine from a shaky 71 for five.

In the 39th over, Hardik went after Vidarbha spinner Parth Rekhade to collect a total of 34 runs, which included five sixes and a four. The first five balls of the left-arm spinner went flying over the ropes, while the final ball was hit for a boundary.

Hardik’s innings included only 31 singles as he launched a counter-attack, hitting most of his sixes in the midwicket region and over long-on, with a few also flying over long-off. His domination was evident from the fact that the next-best batter in Baroda’s innings was Vishnu Solanki, who made just 26.

Batting as low as No. 7 in his first match of the competition, Hardik brought up his maiden List A century in his 119th match, taking Baroda to a competitive total.

Vidarbha cruise to nine-wicket win

However, Hardik’s heroics were not enough to secure victory for Baroda, as Vidarbha hardly broke a sweat in the run chase. Aman Mokhade smashed a 121-ball 150 not out, while Dhruv Shorey stood firm on 65 off 76 balls, as the 294-run target was overhauled in 41.4 overs.

It was Vidarbha’s fourth win in five games, while Baroda suffered their second loss in five matches.

Hardik’s focus on T20 World Cup

With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, the BCCI and selectors are prioritizing Hardik’s availability for the marquee tournament over the New Zealand ODI series. His exclusion underscores the board’s commitment to managing player workloads and ensuring key all-rounders are fully fit for major tournaments.

Hardik is expected to feature prominently in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand scheduled before the World Cup, where he will have the opportunity to fine-tune his all-round skills ahead of India’s title defense.