Hardik Pandya, one of cricket’s top all-rounders, turns 31 today, October 11. Born in Surat, Hardik’s passion for cricket started at a young age. His fast seam bowling and hard-hitting skills, especially in the final overs, earned him a spot on the national team. With his exceptional talent and strong leadership, he has played a key role in winning many crucial matches for both India and in domestic cricket.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hardik stands out as one of the most successful players. On his birthday, let’s explore his journey, achievements, and some of his best performances.
Hardik Pandya Birthday
October 11 marks the 31st birthday of Hardik Pandya, one of India’s most dynamic cricketers. Known for his explosive batting, sharp seam bowling, and incredible fielding skills, Hardik has become a key player in both international and domestic cricket. His leadership abilities have also shone through, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
As Hardik continues to create memorable moments on the field, fans around the world celebrate his journey from a young talent to a cricketing star. On his birthday, we look back at his remarkable achievements and game-changing performances.
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Hardik Pandya’s Journey
Hardik Pandya first made a name for himself in Indian domestic cricket while playing for Baroda. His aggressive batting style and effective pace bowling helped him stand out from the crowd. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of the national selectors, leading to his debut for India in 2016 during a T20 match against Australia.
Later that year, Hardik played his first One-Day International (ODI) against New Zealand.
Though Hardik has been plagued by injuries over the years, causing him to miss several important matches, he never gave up. His determination and hard work paid off when he made a remarkable comeback during the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. His outstanding performances were key to India winning the tournament, cementing his place as one of the top all-rounders in cricket today.
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Hardik Pandya’s Career Stats
Hardik Pandya has represented India across all formats of the game. He has played:
- 11 Test matches
- 86 ODIs (One-Day Internationals)
- 103 T20Is (Twenty20 Internationals)
In these matches, Hardik has scored a total of 3863 runs and taken 188 wickets. These numbers reflect his ability to contribute both as a batter and a bowler.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hardik has played 137 matches, scoring 2525 runs with a top score of 91 and an average of 28.69. Along with his batting achievements, he has also taken 64 wickets in the IPL, proving himself to be a valuable all-rounder in the tournament.
Hardik Pandya’s Records
Hardik Pandya has set several impressive records during his cricket career, especially in white-ball formats (ODIs and T20s). Here are some of his notable achievements:
- He is currently third in the list of most wickets taken in T20Is where the catch was taken by a wicketkeeper, with 17 such dismissals.
- In 2023, Hardik recorded the third-best bowling figures in an ODI innings for India, with an incredible 3 wickets for just 3 runs against Sri Lanka.
- With 103 T20I appearances, Hardik is the third-most capped player for India in the T20 format.
Hardik has also enjoyed immense success in the IPL. He is one of the most decorated players in the league, having won the trophy five times. What makes his IPL journey even more remarkable is that he has achieved this feat with multiple teams, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
Hardik Pandya’s journey from a young domestic player to an international star is truly inspiring. Despite facing challenges, his resilience and skill have made him one of the most important players for India in modern cricket.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya Becomes No. 1 T20I All-Rounder After World Cup Success
Hardik Pandya’s Top 5 Performances
Hardik Pandya has delivered some memorable performances throughout his career, both in international cricket and the IPL. The following are his top 5 standout performances that showcase his incredible all-round abilities:
1. 92 vs Australia, 2020
In the third ODI of India’s 2020 tour of Australia, Hardik Pandya played one of his finest innings. He scored an unbeaten 92 off just 76 balls, helping India post a competitive 302 runs in Canberra. His brilliant knock was the key to India’s 13-run victory, making it one of his standout performances in international cricket.
2. 51 vs England, 2022
At the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton, Hardik Pandya delivered a superb all-round performance. He smashed 51 runs in just 33 balls, hitting six boundaries and one six to help India set a target of 198. But his contribution didn’t end there—he also took 4 wickets, leading India to a 50-run win. This earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
3. 91 vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2019
Hardik’s knock in the 2019 IPL against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens was nothing short of extraordinary. He blazed through the KKR bowling attack, scoring 91 runs off just 34 balls with a strike rate of 267.64. His innings included six boundaries and nine towering sixes. Despite his heroic effort, Mumbai fell short and lost the match by 34 runs.
4. 34 Runs and 3/17 vs Rajasthan Royals, 2022
In the IPL 2022 final, Hardik Pandya shone as both a bowler and a batter. Bowling first, he took 3 wickets for just 17 runs, helping restrict Rajasthan Royals to 130. He then contributed 34 runs in the chase, leading Gujarat Titans to their first-ever IPL title under his captaincy. For his match-winning efforts, Hardik was named Player of the Match.
5. 3/20 vs South Africa, 2024
Hardik’s redemption came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. After a challenging IPL season, he proved his worth by taking 3 crucial wickets for just 20 runs, helping India defend their total. His spell was vital in stopping South Africa just 7 runs short of victory, securing India’s second T20 World Cup title in history.
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Hardik Pandya Birthday FAQs
Q.1. When is Hardik Pandya’s birthday?
Ans. Hardik Pandya celebrates his birthday on October 11, and he turned 31 in 2024.
Q.2. What are Hardik Pandya’s best performances in cricket?
Ans. Some of Hardik Pandya’s best performances include his 92* vs Australia in 2020 and his 91 vs KKR in IPL 2019.
Q.3. How many IPL titles has Hardik Pandya won?
Ans. Hardik Pandya has won five IPL titles, showcasing his success with multiple teams in the tournament.
Q.4. What are Hardik Pandya’s career stats in international cricket?
Ans. Hardik has played 11 Tests, 86 ODIs, and 103 T20Is, scoring 3863 runs and taking 188 wickets.
Q.5. What is Hardik Pandya’s highest score in the IPL?
Ans. Hardik Pandya’s highest IPL score is 91, achieved against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.