Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya's return from injury was met with elation as a fan invaded the outfield at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to click a selfie with the player in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali encounter between Baroda and Punjab. This marks the 32-year-old's first competitive appearance since the 2025 Asia Cup Super 4 stage clash against Sri Lanka in Dubai. Hardik Pandya's return from injury and presence in domestic cricket is a massive boost for India ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, scheduled to begin from December 9 onwards. During his time away due to a quadriceps injury, the all-rounder missed the 2025 Asia Cup Final, the tour of Australia, and the ODI series against South Africa. Playing under his brother Krunal Pandya's captaincy, Hardik Pandya operated with the new ball against the explosive Punjab opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh. However, midway through his spell with the new ball, he was interrupted by a fan who evaded security and managed to click a selfie with the player before being escorted off the field. Have a look at the incident right here: Towards the end of the clip, Pandya was seen making some gestures towards the security officials as the fan was being taken away. Pitch invaders have become a common feature in matches in India. Recently, a fan breached the security guidelines to enter the field and touch Virat Kohli's feet as he was celebrating his 52nd ODI hundred during the series opener against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. Hardik Pandya finished with figures of 1-52 on his return as Punjab smashed 222-8 in SMAT 2025-26 The all-rounder, unfortunately, ended up being the most expensive bowler on show as his figures read 1-52 off his four overs. He did, however, dismiss Anmolpreet Singh for 69 runs to break a threatening partnership for the third wicket in the 15th over of the innings. Punjab, on the back of their record 310-5 against Bengal, have once again run riot with the bat to post yet another mammoth total on the board. Hardik Pandya has a massive role to play with the bat if he wishes to guide Baroda to victory and impress the selectors ahead of the squad announcement for the South Africa T20Is.