When you think of modern-day Indian cricket, few names bring as much flair, energy, and excitement as Hardik Pandya. Known for his explosive batting, sharp medium-fast bowling, and stylish presence both on and off the field, Hardik has carved out a unique space for himself in world cricket.
From his humble beginnings in Gujarat to becoming one of India’s most dependable allrounders, Hardik’s story is one of resilience, talent, and charisma. If you’re curious about his journey, stats, and impact across formats, this deep dive has everything you need.
Quick Personal Profile
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Full Name: Hardik Himanshu Pandya
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Date of Birth: October 11, 1993 (Age: 31 years)
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Birthplace: Choryasi, Gujarat, India
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Role: Batting Allrounder
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Batting Style: Right-handed bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
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Height: Not officially listed, but he’s known for his athletic frame
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Country: India
ICC Rankings Snapshot
Hardik Pandya may not be a top-10 regular in ICC rankings, but his all-round ability makes him an invaluable player.
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Batting Rankings: ODI – 82, T20I – 54
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Bowling Rankings: T20I – 47
It’s clear that while his numbers might not always scream dominance, his impact in crunch moments speaks volumes.
Hardik Pandya’s Batting Career
Hardik’s batting is his biggest weapon—fearless, explosive, and capable of turning matches around in just a few overs. Let’s look at how he stacks up across formats.
Test Cricket
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Matches: 11
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Runs: 532
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Average: 31.29
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Strike Rate: 73.89
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Highest Score: 108
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50s/100s: 4/1
Hardik’s Test career may be short-lived, but his century against Sri Lanka remains one of the most memorable knocks by an Indian allrounder overseas.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
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Matches: 94
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Runs: 1904
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Average: 32.83
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Strike Rate: 110.9
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Highest Score: 92
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50s: 11
In ODIs, Hardik is India’s ultimate finisher—coming in during the final overs and providing quick runs. His aggressive strike rate of over 110 is proof of his value as a game-changer.
T20 Internationals
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Matches: 114
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Runs: 1812
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Average: 27.88
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Strike Rate: 141.68
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Highest Score: 71
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50s: 5
In T20Is, Hardik thrives under pressure. Whether it’s a cameo of 20 off 10 balls or a fighting half-century, he delivers when India needs him most.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Matches: 152
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Runs: 2749
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Average: 28.34
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Strike Rate: 146.93
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Highest Score: 91
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50s: 10
With the Mumbai Indians and later Gujarat Titans, Hardik established himself as a proven IPL star. His fearless hitting and leadership as GT’s captain (leading them to the 2022 title) elevated his status further.
Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Career
What makes Hardik truly special is his ability to contribute with the ball. Though not India’s strike bowler, he’s someone captains can rely on for crucial breakthroughs.
Test Cricket
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Wickets: 17 (Best: 5/28)
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Average: 31.06
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Economy: 3.38
His 5-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in Tests showed his ability to swing the ball effectively, especially in helpful conditions.
ODIs
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Wickets: 91
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Best Figures: 4/24
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Economy: 5.6
Hardik’s medium pace often breaks partnerships in ODIs. He may not bowl 10 overs every game, but when he does, he usually makes it count.
T20 Internationals
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Wickets: 94
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Best Figures: 4/16
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Strike Rate: 19.33
In T20Is, Hardik’s slower balls and cutters are his go-to weapons. Many times, he has been the difference between victory and defeat in the death overs.
IPL
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Wickets: 78 (Best: 5/36)
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Economy: 9.18
Despite bowling in the most difficult overs of the IPL (powerplay and death), Hardik has held his own. His 5/36 remains one of his best spells in franchise cricket.
Career Timeline Highlights
Here’s a quick look at Hardik Pandya’s journey in international cricket:
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ODI Debut: vs New Zealand, Dharamsala, October 2016
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T20I Debut: vs Australia, Adelaide, January 2016
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Test Debut: vs Sri Lanka, Galle, July 2017
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IPL Debut: Mumbai Indians, 2015 season
Since then, he has become an integral part of Indian cricket, featuring in multiple ICC tournaments and even captaining India in T20Is.
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Hardik Pandya’s Impact Beyond Stats
While stats tell part of the story, Hardik Pandya’s true impact goes beyond numbers.
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Finisher Role: India often struggled to find someone who could consistently finish games after MS Dhoni. Hardik filled that gap.
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Captaincy: As Gujarat Titans’ skipper, he led from the front, proving he’s more than just a flashy allrounder.
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Comebacks: Hardik has battled multiple injuries but always found a way back, showcasing his mental strength.
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Versatility: He can bat in the top order, finish games, bowl in powerplays, or even take the ball in death overs.
Fun Facts About Hardik Pandya
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Hardik is often compared to legendary allrounders like Kapil Dev and Jacques Kallis for his ability to influence matches with both bat and ball.
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He is known for his stylish lifestyle, making him one of the most followed Indian cricketers on social media.
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His partnership with brother Krunal Pandya has been a heartwarming storyline in both IPL and domestic cricket.
Why Hardik Pandya Is So Important to Indian Cricket
India’s cricket setup thrives when it has a quality allrounder. Hardik Pandya gives balance to the team—something that allows India to play an extra batter or bowler when needed.
He may not have played as many Tests as some fans would have hoped due to injuries, but his role in white-ball cricket has been monumental. With the 2026 T20 World Cup and future ICC events ahead, Hardik will continue to be India’s go-to man in pressure situations.
Final Thoughts
Hardik Pandya’s career is the perfect example of what modern cricket demands—fearlessness, adaptability, and charisma. Whether smashing sixes in the death overs, taking a crucial wicket, or leading a team, he embodies the new era of Indian cricket.
At just 31, he still has many years ahead, and fans worldwide will be eager to see how his journey unfolds. One thing’s certain—whenever Hardik walks onto the field, entertainment is guaranteed.
