A security scare unfolded once again in Indian cricket, this time involving Hardik Pandya. Just days after a fan invaded the pitch to touch Virat Kohli’s feet during the first ODI against South Africa, a similar breach occurred during Baroda’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Punjab.
Hardik, returning to competitive cricket after his Asia Cup injury, was approached by a fan who slipped past security and ran straight onto the field. As guards raced in to restrain the intruder, Hardik signaled them to stop. Instead of reacting harshly, the all-rounder calmly posed for a selfie with the fan before asking him to exit the field.
A fan entered the ground to meet Hardik Pandya during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match at Hyderabad & Hardik told security not do anything to him. 🔥 (KVS Giri).
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) December 2, 2025
– THE CRAZE OF HARDIK PANDYA..!!! pic.twitter.com/DP1kHtjaYT
Hardik’s comeback match proves mixed
While Hardik’s gesture won the crowd’s admiration, his performance with the ball was far from ideal. The Baroda skipper was taken apart by Punjab’s batters, conceding 52 runs in his four overs at an economy rate of 13. He managed to claim just one wicket. However, he made up for it with the bat, smashing a brisk half-century to mark his return in style. Pandya ended up with an unbeaten 77 runs off 42 balls which included 7 fours and 4 sixes.
Hardik had been sidelined since sustaining an injury in the 2025 Asia Cup, which ruled him out of the Australia tour and the ODI series against South Africa. With his recovery complete, he is now set to rejoin Team India for the upcoming five-match T20I series.
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