Hardik Pandya scripts history, becomes first Indian to complete elite T20 double

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya added another feather to his illustrious cap by becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve the extraordinary T20 double of 5000 runs and 100-plus wickets.

The historic feat came during Baroda’s five-wicket victory against Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy opener at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Saturday. Pandya entered the match needing just seven runs to reach the 5000-run mark and achieved the milestone with a breathtaking unbeaten knock of 74 off 35 balls. His innings, laced with six boundaries and five sixes, came at an astonishing strike rate of 211.43.

With this achievement, Pandya now has 5067 runs and 180 wickets in T20 cricket, cementing his place as one of the game’s finest all-rounders. Among Indians, Ravindra Jadeja trails far behind with 3684 runs and 225 wickets, followed by Axar Patel (2960 runs and 227 wickets) and Krunal Pandya (2712 runs and 138 wickets).

Chasing a stiff target of 185 runs, Baroda relied on their star all-rounder to pull them through. Despite early blows and the dismissal of key batter Shivalik Sharma (64 off 43 balls), Pandya ensured his side stayed on track. The match saw tense moments when skipper Krunal Pandya fell cheaply, but Hardik’s composure and big hitting proved decisive.

Walking in at No. 5, Pandya carried Baroda from 63 runs needed in the final five overs to the brink of victory. The star Indian all-rounder reached his fifty in just 28 balls and managed the required run rate expertly. As the equation boiled down to 26 off 12 balls, Hardik kept his nerve, steering Baroda home with three balls to spare. The victory marked Baroda’s second-highest successful chase in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history.

This milestone crowns an outstanding year for Hardik Pandya. The 31-year-old recently reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings, thanks to consistent performances in bilateral series. In India’s clean sweep against Bangladesh earlier this year, Pandya was named Player of the Series, scoring 118 runs at a staggering strike rate of 222.64 and contributing with his fielding and bowling.

In the South Africa series, Pandya showcased his dual abilities again, scoring 59 runs and taking two wickets. Pandya will next be seen in action in India’s home series against England in January 2025, where he will look to continue his remarkable form.