Hardik Pandya is one of the most premium all-rounders in the world of cricket. The dashing all-rounder announced himself in the Indian Premier League and quickly became a mainstay in the national team. Pandya is known for his abilities to decimate any bowling attack at will and has made a name for himself as one of the best finishers in world cricket. He is more than handy with the ball as well. His medium-pace has come to India’s rescue a lot of times.
Here are his best 5 performances in his career:
5. Pandya announces himself – 21 off 8 v. Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2015
A young Hardik Pandya turned up for Mumbai Indians in the 2015 IPL. 30 needed from 12 balls, Mumbai Indians were at the jaws of defeat with half the side back in the pavilion against Chennai Super Kings, who are always at their best in their own den, Chepauk. Pawan Negi was with the ball who himself wouldn't have dreamt that he would be bowling the 19th over if not for Dhoni's instincts. Negi tossed up a loopy ball and the crowd went into silence. That was the first six over to the roof out of two more which followed in the same over, making it an easy win for MI. That match-winning 8-ball 21 runs knock at the internationally acclaimed glamorous event not only boosted his confidence but also earned him lauds from then MI's coach Ricky Ponting.
4. 2 for 29 v. Bangladesh, T20 WC 2016
Hardik Pandya pulled off an Indian heist for the ages but this time with the ball. With 11 runs needed off the last over, Pandya was given the ball. With the equation finally reading 2 runs needed off 3 balls following two boundaries, Pandya removed two batsmen in two balls tempting them to go for a big hit before he bowled a good ball outside off to make the batsman miss the final delivery. Dhoni did the rest to run the batsman out and pull off a thrilling win for India.
3. 76 off 43 v. Pakistan, Champions Trophy Final 2017
In the famous Champions Trophy Final in 2017, Hardik Pandya was the silver lining in a terrible Indian performance. Chasing a mammoth 339 to win, India lost half their side in no time. But Hardik Pandya gave the Indians hope with a brutal assault. However, he was run out before he could get his century. India lost the game by 180 runs, but Pandya was a treat to watch.
2. 108 off 96 v. Sri Lanka, Test Series 2017
Hardik Pandya broke a plethora of records while scoring a quick-fire ton against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder hit his century before lunch break on the same day he entered the crease which was a first for an Indian. Further, he went from 50 to 100 in just 25 balls. Sri Lanka had no clue of his stunning assault as they succumbed by an innings and 171 runs to India.
1. 91 off 34 v. Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2019
Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians faced an uphill task as they were left with 233 to chase following an Andre Russell assault. Coming in at No. 6, Pandya tried his best to take his side home decimating the KKR bowlers. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. But his 91 off 34 was a stunning exhibition of power-hitting that is etched in the minds of all fans who witnessed it.
Also Read | The Importance of Hardik Pandya
