Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya embodies the modern-day cricketer, wielding a big bat, slinging accurate deliveries, and electrifying the field with his athleticism. He emerged as the answer to India's long-standing quest for a seam-bowling all-rounder since Kapil Dev's era. Irfan Pathan briefly ignited hope, but his flame flickered and faded. With Pandya, India hoped they'd found a long-term solution.

January 2016 marked a turning point. Pandya stormed the domestic T20 scene, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali with 377 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 130.90. His 10 wickets further showcased his all-round capabilities, propelling him to the finals with Baroda. This stellar performance caught the eye of the Mumbai Indians, who acquired him in the 2015 IPL auction.

He wasted no time impressing in the big league. A blistering 31-ball 61 against Kolkata in his first season announced his arrival to the world. His ability to strike big sixes and bowl quick seam caught the attention of then-coach Ricky Ponting, who showered him with praise.

This impactful season earned him a call-up for India's T20 tour to Australia in 2015. While his debut was a baptism by fire with a costly opening over, he showed his fighting spirit by almost grabbing a hat-trick later in the innings. He thrived on pressure, notably defending two runs off three balls in the final over of the 2016 World T20 against Bangladesh.

However, fate can be fickle. In the 2016 World T20 semi-final against West Indies, a no-ball in his bowling allowed Lendl Simmons to continue his innings, ultimately leading to India's defeat. Despite this setback, Pandya continued to shine, demonstrating his all-round talent with a crucial 43-ball 76 in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan.

His exploits in limited-overs cricket paved the way for a Test debut in 2018, where he impressed with a score of 93 in his first innings in South Africa. Backed by his captain and management, he featured in the subsequent England tour as well.

The year 2019 proved to be challenging. He found himself embroiled in controversies, resulting in a mid-series suspension from the Australia tour. However, he returned with renewed focus and determination. His explosive form in the 2019 IPL season played a key role in propelling Mumbai Indians to their fourth title. This consistent performance cemented his place in the 2019 World Cup squad, where he had a respectable showing.

Injuries have been a recurring theme in Pandya's career, keeping him out of action for significant periods. He returned stronger in the 2022 IPL, leading the newly formed Gujarat Titans to a remarkable victory in their first season as captain. This stellar performance extended to white-ball cricket, where he was appointed India's captain in Rohit Sharma's absence. He led the team to success in several bilateral series, particularly on home soil. His career-best bowling figures (4-24) and a half-century against England in an ODI cemented his all-round dominance.

Entering 2023, Pandya had re-established himself as India's premier white-ball all-rounder. He captained Gujarat to consecutive IPL finals, further solidifying his leadership credentials. Unfortunately, an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament, although India reached the finals.

In a surprising turn of events, the Mumbai Indians reacquired Pandya through a trade, bringing him back to the team that launched his career. This move, while unexpected, excited fans worldwide. Mumbai parted ways with Cameron Green to facilitate Pandya's return, highlighting his exceptional value.