Hardik Pandya Turns 31: India All-Rounder’s Journey, Stats, Records and Top 5 Performances

One of the all-rounders of the current generation, Hardik Pandya celebrates his 31st birthday today, October 11. Hailing from Surat, Hardik had developed an early interest in the sport. His brisk seam bowling and powerful ball-striking abilities, especially in the death overs, saw him climb his way to the national team. Thanks to his incredible all-round prowess and effective leadership, Hardik has already delivered several match-winning moments in both international and domestic cricket.

Hardik is also one of the most accomplished stars in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Today, on his special day, let’s take a look at Hardik’s journey, records and some of his best performances.

Hardik Pandya’s Journey

Hardik Pandya first grabbed the eyeballs in the domestic circuit where he represented Baroda. The Indian all-rounder honed his skills with the domestic side, making a mark with his explosive batting and impactful pace. He made his debut with India in 2016 against Australia.

In the very same year, Hardik appeared in his first ODI against New Zealand. Hardik had to endure several fitness complications, making him injury-prone in the last few years. But he bounced back with a phenomenal show at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup to win the trophy with India.

Hardik Pandya’s Career Stats

Hardik Pandya has represented India in 11 Tests, 86 ODIs and 103 T20Is. In these matches, the star all-rounder has accumulated 3863 runs and 188 wickets. In the IPL, Hardik has competed in 137 matches. He has scored 2525 runs with a highest of 91 and an average of 28.69. He has also picked up 64 wickets in these games.

Hardik Pandya’s Records

Hardik Pandya has racked up impressive numbers in his white-ball career with India in the last decade. He is currently in third place for the most wickets taken in the form of caught by a wicketkeeper (17) in T20Is.

Hardik also boasts the third-best bowling figures (3/3) in an ODI innings against Sri Lanka in 2023. He is also the third-most capped player for India in T20I cricket with 103 appearances.

Hardik Pandya is one of the most decorated players in IPL history, winning the trophy on five occasions. He is also one of the few players to have won the IPL crown with multiple teams.

Hardik Pandya’s Top 5 Performances

1. 92-unbeaten vs Australia, 2020In the third ODI of the 2020 India Tour of Australia, Hardik Pandya delivered arguably one of his best individual performances in international cricket. He smashed a 76-ball 92 in India’s first innings in Canberra to help the visitors put 302 runs on the board. His knock made all the difference as India ended up winning the match by 13 runs.
2. 51 vs England, 2022Competing at the Rose Bowl Stadium in South Hampton, Hardik Pandya racked up 51 runs in 33 balls. He hit six boundaries and one six in the game. His knock helped India finish with 198 runs. While defending the total, Hardik stepped up with the ball to scalp four wickets to help India win by 50 runs. His performance also won him the Player of the Match award.
3. 91 vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2019The 2019 IPL season witnessed Hardik Pandya put up one of the best knocks in his T20 career. He smashed a 34-ball 91 against KKR at the Eden Gardens. Playing with a strike-rate of 267.64, Hardik hit six boundaries and nine sixes in the game. Despite the electric individual show, Mumbai ended up losing the match by 34 runs.
4. 34 runs and 3/17 vs Rajasthan Royals, 2022The IPL 2022 final was a one-man show starring Hardik Pandya. Bowling first in Ahmedabad, Hardik claimed three wickets while giving away a mere 17 runs. His impressive spell helped the Gujarat Titans curb Rajasthan Royals at 130. During the run chase, Hardik racked up 34 runs to win the Player of the Match award and his first and only IPL trophy as skipper.
5. 3/20 vs South Africa, 2024The T20 World Cup final saw Hardik Pandya complete his redemption arc following an unimpressive IPL campaign. Hardik scalped three important wickets to curb South Africa seven runs shy of winning the game. His heroics were enough to help India secure their second even T20 World Cup crown in history.