Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya recently marked ten years in international cricket, describing this milestone as just the starting point of his true journey. He made his international debut against Australia in an ODI on January 26, 2016, and took to Instagram to share his reflections. “Ten years into this journey, coinciding with my 33rd birthday, it’s one thing to play the sport I love, and another to represent my country through it. I am grateful for all the support and the challenges that shaped my path. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and to God for the opportunities I’ve received,” he expressed.
Hardik emphasized that this year has enlightened him to the fact that he is just beginning to walk the path he aspires to take. He fondly recalled his younger self, running extra miles from Baroda, honing his skills as a batsman, and evolving into an all-rounder by the age of 19. “Playing for my country has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” he stated. “God had great plans for me when I made my debut on January 26. I have matured alongside this sport and will continue to grow old playing it.”
Since his debut, Hardik has been a pivotal player in India’s white-ball success, contributing to victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His exceptional performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup included scoring 144 runs across six innings at a strike rate exceeding 151 and an average of 48.00, complemented by 11 wickets at an average of 17.36. Notably, in the final, he sealed the match with the crucial wicket of David Miller, caught brilliantly by Suryakumar Yadav.
In his ODI career, Hardik has amassed 1,904 runs in 94 matches, averaging 32.82, with a strike rate of 110.89, including 11 fifties and a top score of 92*. He has also taken 91 wickets with best figures of 4/24. In T20Is, he has scored 2,027 runs at an average of 28.54 and a strike rate over 143, along with seven fifties and a highest score of 71*. In Tests, he has recorded 532 runs in 18 innings, with a century and four fifties, and 17 wickets at an average of 31.05, boasting best figures of 5/28.
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