Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to play two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Baroda in January before being rested for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. This decision, influenced by his injury history and the approaching T20 World Cup, aims to manage his workload. While Pandya himself may have wished to play ODIs, the team management prioritizes his fitness for the T20 series and the World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah will also be rested from the ODI series, with both players considered crucial for India's T20 World Cup defense.