Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has etched his name in the history books by becoming the first Indian cricketer to complete the remarkable T20 double of 5000 runs and 100-plus wickets. He achieved this milestone during Baroda’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Gujarat in the opening match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at Holkar Stadium, Indore, on Saturday.
Pandya entered the match needing just seven runs to reach the 5000-run mark and did so in style, scoring a blistering unbeaten 74 off 35 balls. His knock, which included six boundaries and five sixes, came at an explosive strike rate of 211.43. This innings took his career T20 tally to 5067 runs and 180 wickets, further solidifying his reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the game. In comparison, Ravindra Jadeja, another top Indian all-rounder, is far behind with 3684 runs and 225 wickets, followed by Axar Patel (2960 runs, 227 wickets) and Krunal Pandya (2712 runs, 138 wickets).
Baroda was chasing a challenging target of 185 runs in the match, and although they lost early wickets, including that of key batter Shivalik Sharma (64 off 43 balls), Pandya’s explosive innings ensured they stayed on track. Despite the dismissal of his brother Krunal Pandya, Hardik held his composure and delivered when it mattered most.
Coming in at No. 5, Pandya played a pivotal role in guiding Baroda from a precarious 63 runs required from the final five overs to within striking distance of victory. He reached his fifty off just 28 balls, keeping the required run rate under control. With 26 runs needed from the last 12 balls, Pandya’s cool-headed approach and big hitting saw Baroda cross the line with three balls to spare, marking their second-highest successful chase in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history.
This achievement caps a stellar year for the 31-year-old, who recently regained the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings. Pandya’s consistent performances in bilateral series, including a Player of the Series award in India’s clean sweep over Bangladesh earlier this year, have been key to his rise. He scored 118 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 222.64 and also contributed with the ball and in the field.
Pandya continued to impress in the series against South Africa, where he scored 59 runs and took two wickets. With an eye on maintaining his exceptional form, he will next be seen in action during India’s home series against England in January 2025.
