With the bat, he has amassed 1,812 runs at a blazing strike rate of 141.67, including five fifties. Just 188 more runs would take him past the 2,000-run mark, a feat achieved by only a handful of Indian players in T20Is. Given his usual batting role in the middle order, this event could present a timely platform for Pandya to reach this landmark
Hardik Pandya (Pic: AFP)
India's trusted match-winner and seasoned all-rounder Hardik Pandya will once again be in the spotlight as the Men in Blue prepare to launch their Asia Cup 2025 campaign this week. The tournament, which kicks off on Tuesday, offers Pandya not only a chance to anchor India’s charge toward continental supremacy but also an opportunity to etch his name into the T20I record books.
At 31, Pandya continues to remain one of India’s most vital assets in the shortest format. Known for his ability to absorb pressure and deliver in clutch moments, the Baroda-born cricketer has consistently demonstrated his value with both bat and ball. Now, with 114 T20Is under his belt, Pandya stands within touching distance of two major personal milestones.
With the bat, he has amassed 1,812 runs at a blazing strike rate of 141.67, including five half-centuries. Just 188 more runs would take him past the 2,000-run mark, a feat achieved by only a handful of Indian players in T20Is. Given his usual batting role in the middle order, the Asia Cup could present a timely platform for Pandya to reach this landmark.
Equally impactful with the ball, Pandya has so far scalped 94 wickets, and is six away from completing a century of T20I wickets. His career-best bowling figures of 4 for 16 underline his knack for delivering timely breakthroughs, especially in the death overs.
India’s campaign begins on September 10 with a clash against hosts UAE. However, the marquee fixture of the group stage is undoubtedly the India vs Pakistan showdown on September 14 in Dubai, a match that is expected to draw global attention. India will then return to face UAE once again on September 19 in their final group match.
Post group stage, the tournament will move into the Super Four phase from September 20 to 26. Should India top Group A, all their Super Four fixtures will be played in Dubai. If they finish second, they will travel to Abu Dhabi for one match, with the remaining two still in Dubai. The final is scheduled for September 28, also in Dubai.
The squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, boasts a blend of experience and youth. Alongside Pandya, key players include Shubman Gill (VC), Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and rising stars like Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma.
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