Is Hardik Pandya Team India's New 'Big Match Player'? Here's What Stats Say - In Pics

In one of the most high-stakes matches against Pakistan, Pandya displayed his immense talent and nerves of steel. He smashed a scintillating 76 off just 43 balls, including four boundaries and six sixes. Despite India losing the match, Pandya's performance was a standout moment and showcased his ability to perform under extreme pressure.

During the 2016 Asia Cup, Pandya delivered a game-changing performance against Pakistan. His figures of 3/8 with the ball played a pivotal role in bundling out Pakistan for a paltry 84 runs, setting up India's convincing victory. This performance highlighted his potential as a match-winner with both bat and ball.

In the 2022 Asia Cup, Pandya once again demonstrated his versatility as an all-rounder. He contributed with both bat and ball, scoring a quickfire 33* in just 17 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Moreover, he bowled brilliantly, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs, showcasing his ability to turn the game in India's favor.

Pandya's performance against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 was pivotal in India's victory. Amidst a challenging chase, he played a crucial role by scoring 40 runs off 37 balls, including a boundary and two sixes. Additionally, his bowling figures of 3/30 played a significant part in restricting Pakistan's batting lineup.

Pandya has consistently excelled against Australia in ODIs. In 12 matches, he has accumulated 546 runs at an impressive average of 54.60, with a highest score of 92. His ability to contribute with the ball is equally noteworthy, as he has taken 11 wickets in these encounters, with the best figures of 3/44.

In ODIs against England, Pandya has been a reliable performer, scoring 402 runs at an average of 44.66. He has notched up three fifties in 11 innings, with a top score of 71. Furthermore, his bowling has been impactful, with 12 wickets to his name, including a stellar performance of 4/24.

Pandya's performances against New Zealand have been noteworthy, with 274 runs scored in 14 ODIs. He has taken 15 crucial wickets against the Kiwis, including a best bowling figure of 3/31, underscoring his all-round ability.

While Pandya's records against South Africa may not be as impressive as some other nations, he still has contributed significantly. He has scored 327 runs at an average of 23.35, with a top score of 93, and has taken 14 wickets, including a best figure of 3/80.

In recent years, Pandya has evolved his batting technique and developed maturity in his gameplay. Serving as the captain of the IPL-winning Gujarat Titans has allowed him to retain his hard-hitting abilities while adding reliability and composure to his game. Since 2020, he has scored 796 runs in 25 ODI matches, averaging 41.89, and taken 20 wickets, with the best figures of 4/24.

 

In the T20I format, Pandya has continued to shine after 2020. In 52 matches and 46 innings, he has scored 1,038 runs at an average of 30.52. While he might not have scored centuries, his consistency with three half-centuries and valuable contributions have been crucial. Additionally, his 35 wickets, including a best of 4/16, underline his ability to make an impact with the ball in the shortest format of the game.