In a significant milestone for Indian cricket, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has etched his name deeper into the nation's T20I history during the second match of the ongoing five-game series against New Zealand. Pandya has overtaken the legendary Virat Kohli to become India's second-most capped player in the shortest format of the game.
A Landmark Achievement in T20 Internationals
The dynamic all-rounder turned out for India in his 126th T20 international, moving past Kohli, who concluded his T20I career with 125 appearances. This achievement places Pandya in an exclusive position among Indian cricketers, with only former captain Rohit Sharma sitting above him on the list. Sharma played 159 T20Is before retiring from the format in 2024, making him India's most experienced T20I player.
Pandya's Remarkable Longevity and Impact
Hardik Pandya's longevity in T20 international cricket has been particularly impressive, especially considering the physical demands of his all-round role. His consistent presence in the Indian team across multiple years speaks volumes about his fitness, adaptability, and value to the squad.
What makes Pandya's achievement even more noteworthy is his substantial impact with both bat and ball. Across his 126 appearances, he has compiled 2,027 runs at an average of 28.54, with his highest score being an unbeaten 71. With the ball, he has been equally effective, claiming 102 wickets at an average of 26.85, with his best figures standing at an impressive 4 for 16.
Joining an Elite Club of Indian Cricketers
This milestone places Pandya in an elite club of Indian players who have featured in more than 100 T20 internationals. Apart from Pandya, this exclusive list includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. The fact that only four Indian cricketers have reached this century mark underscores the significance of Pandya's achievement.
Pandya's recent form has been encouraging as well. In the series opener against New Zealand, he made useful contributions with both bat and ball, scoring a brisk 25 off just 16 balls and returning economical figures of 2 for 20 from his two overs. This performance demonstrated his continued value to the Indian team in the T20 format.
Another Milestone in the Same Series
The opening match of the series witnessed another landmark achievement, as India captain Suryakumar Yadav became the fourth Indian cricketer to play 100 T20Is. Yadav has established himself as one of India's most destructive T20 batters, scoring 2,788 runs in 93 innings at an average of 35.29. His record includes four centuries and 21 half-centuries, making him India's third-highest run-scorer in the format.
These back-to-back milestones highlight the depth of experience in India's current T20I setup. With players like Pandya and Yadav reaching significant appearance landmarks, the team benefits from considerable match experience as they continue their preparations for future international competitions.
The ongoing series against New Zealand has thus become a platform for celebrating individual achievements while also building team momentum. As Pandya continues to add to his tally of appearances, he solidifies his position as one of India's most important players in the T20 format, capable of influencing games with both bat and ball.
