Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya etched his name into the record books during Baroda’s opening match against Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25.
The 31-year-old became the first Indian cricketer to achieve the remarkable double of 5,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20 cricket, marking a significant milestone in his career.
At the Holkar Stadium in Indore, Pandya showcased his batting brilliance with an unbeaten 74 off just 35 balls. His match-winning knock, featuring six boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 211.43, guided Baroda to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Gujarat in a high-scoring contest.
Pandya needed only seven runs to reach the 5,000-run milestone before this game, which he surpassed with ease during the innings.
He now boasts 5,067 runs and 180 wickets in T20s, creating a unique record among Indian cricketers.
Among his closest Indian competitors in this feat are Ravindra Jadeja (3,684 runs, 225 wickets), Axar Patel (2,960 runs, 227 wickets), Krunal Pandya (2,712 runs, 138 wickets), and Irfan Pathan (2,020 runs, 173 wickets).
Chasing 185, Baroda found themselves in a tricky position until Pandya’s arrival at the crease. His partnership with Shivalik Sharma, who scored a vital 64, proved crucial in the chase. Pandya dominated the Gujarat bowlers in the death overs, steering his team home with three balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, Pandya made his presence felt with the ball as well, dismissing Gujarat’s top-scorer Aarya Desai (78) and helping restrict them to 184/5 in 20 overs.
Pandya’s remarkable achievement comes on the heels of his recent rise to the top spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat.
With a rating of 244, he surpassed England’s Liam Livingstone, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier all-rounders.