Published By: Admin

Hardik Pandya: More Than Just a Big Hitter — A Look at His Top Five IPL Innings

Hardik Pandya’s 91 runs off 34 balls against KKR at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2019 remains the all-rounder’s highest score in the IPL.

Hardik Pandya is well-known for his power hitting and fiery fast bowling in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While his all-rounding abilities are undeniable, Pandya has also established himself as a dependable batsman, capable of playing impactful innings across various situations. This article delves into five of his most impactful knocks in the IPL, showcasing his versatility and temperament at the crease.

5. Finishing Power — 62 off 47 balls (MI vs. RCB, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 2022)

This knock from the 2022 season exemplifies Pandya’s ability to finish an innings with a flourish. Coming in at number 4 with Mumbai Indians (MI) in a precarious situation, needing 37 runs off 27 balls to win against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Pandya remained calm under pressure. He played a calculated yet aggressive knock, facing 47 balls and scoring an unbeaten 62 runs. His innings included 4 fours and 3 sixes, strategically targeted at crucial junctures. Pandya’s knock stole the show and secured a thrilling victory for MI.

4. Building a Platform — 67 runs off 49 balls (GT vs. KKR, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, 2022)

This knock from the same IPL season, but for a different team — the Gujarat Titans (GT) — highlights Pandya’s ability to anchor the innings. Opening the batting alongside Shubman Gill, Pandya played a mature innings, providing stability at the top of the order. He faced 49 balls and scored 67 runs, including 4 fours and 2 sixes. His knock provided a solid foundation for the GT batsmen to follow, allowing them to post a competitive total against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

3. Powerhouse Performance — 66 runs off 50 balls (GT vs. LSG, Lucknow, 2023)

This innings from the 2023 season showcases Pandya’s brute force and ability to dominate bowling attacks. Playing against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on their home ground, Pandya displayed his six-hitting prowess. Facing 50 balls, he smashed a quickfire 66 runs, including just 2 fours and a staggering 4 sixes. His knock helped GT put up a challenging total and put pressure on the LSG batsmen.

2. Rising to the Occasion — 87 off 52 balls (GT vs. RR, DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, 2022)

This unbeaten knock from the 2022 season is a testament to Pandya’s ability to perform under pressure. Playing against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a crucial qualifier match, Pandya walked into bat with GT in a spot of bother, needing to chase down a challenging total. He played a composed and counter-attacking innings, facing 52 balls and scoring an unbeaten 87 runs. His knock included 8 fours and 4 sixes, and it helped GT chase down the target with ease and book their place in the IPL final.

1. The Hardik Pandya Masterclass — 91 runs off 34 balls (MI vs. KKR, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 2019)

This knock from the 2019 season remains one of Pandya’s most iconic innings in the IPL. Batting at number 6 for MI against KKR, Pandya launched a brutal assault on the bowlers. Facing a mere 34 balls, he amassed a stunning 91 runs, including a staggering 9 sixes and 6 fours. His strike rate of a mind-boggling 267.64 left the KKR bowlers helpless. This innings single-handedly shifted the momentum of the match and propelled MI to a comfortable victory.