India's star all-rounder is on the verge of history in the England T20I series
Eden Gardens, the storied cauldron of Indian cricket, is alive with anticipation as India and England prepare for the opening T20I of their highly anticipated five-match series. It has been over three years since this iconic arena hosted a T20I, and the atmosphere is expected to be electrifying.
India, the defending T20 World Cup winners, will want to extend their domination. Meanwhile, England, the two-time T20 World Cup winners, are desperate to avenge their semi-final loss to India in the last edition. Amidst all of this, there is one player who will be widely watched: Hardik Pandya.
Hardik, who returns to international cricket after six months away, is not only bringing his explosive style but is also on the verge of an incredible milestone. What is it? Let us build up.
Showtime 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/3Di8YWcSMW
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 20, 2025
England is well aware of Hardik Pandya’s talent, having faced him on several occasions. In 15 matches against them, Pandya has scored 302 runs at an average of 30.20 and a strike rate of 152.52. His highest score of 63 came during a thrilling pursuit, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure and perform when it counts the most.
Hardik has been as productive with the ball, taking 14 wickets in 44 overs for an average of 25.42 and an economy rate of 8.09. His 4/33 performance against England remains a career highlight. If England’s batters believe they can go after him, they should think again.
The Indian venues might provide the perfect setting for Pandya to flourish. Hardik has played 43 T20Is in India, amassing 672 runs at a strike rate of 146.72, with a career-best 71*. With the ball, he has 26 wickets in 39 innings, including an impressive 4/16 spell.
These figures highlight one thing: Hardik understands how to make home his playground. Whether with the bat or the ball, his effect at home has frequently been game-changing
Hardik has established himself as a top-tier player since his T20I debut in 2016. Overall, he has remarkable statistics:
1,700 runs at an average of 27.86 and a strike rate of 141.90, including four half-centuries.
89 wickets for an average of 26.62 and a strike rate of 19.5, including three four-wicket hauls.
Few players in international cricket can equal this mix of explosive hitting and precise bowling.
Now for the big reveal. Hardik Pandya is just 11 wickets away from reaching 100 T20I wickets. If he reaches this milestone during the series, he will become the first Indian all-rounder to rack up over 1,500 runs and capture 100 wickets in T20Is.
This would place him among the top worldwide T20 players, solidifying his status as one of the game’s best all-rounders. The milestone is noteworthy not just for Hardik but also for Indian cricket, as it illustrates the progress of multifaceted players in the shortest format.
Hardik Pandya has the potential to make history in the England series, with the stakes high and the focus firmly on him. Will he rise to the occasion and write his name in the record books? England cricketers must watch him carefully or risk being on the wrong end of another Pandya masterclass.
