Hardik Hustle: Top 10 IPL Performances That Made Hardik Pandya a T20 Superstar

Hardik Pandya brings swagger, sixes, and steel to the IPL. From jaw-dropping finishes to timely breakthroughs with the ball, he has become one of the most impactful all-rounders in league history. Whether donning blue for Mumbai Indians or leading Gujarat Titans to glory, Hardik’s IPL journey is the stuff of legend. Here are his 10 most memorable performances.

1. 91 (34) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2019 An insane display of power-hitting despite defeat.
   MI were down and out, but Hardik had other plans. He smashed 9 sixes and 6 fours in a whirlwind 91, nearly pulling off the impossible. Though MI lost, the knock remains iconic.
2. 87* (42) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2022 Captain’s knock in a pressure chase.
   Leading GT, Hardik showed maturity, patience, and power. He built his innings smartly, then exploded at the death, anchoring the chase with a match-winning unbeaten knock.
3. 40 (30) & 3/17 vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2022 Final All-round brilliance in the title clash.
   Hardik led from the front, taking key wickets (including Jos Buttler) and then playing a crucial knock with the bat. His performance sealed GT’s maiden title and silenced all doubters.
4. 60* (21) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2020 The ultimate finisher flexes his muscles.
   Hardik turned a modest MI total into a mammoth one with his death-over assault. His six-hitting ability left RR stunned, and MI ended up dominating the game.
5. 35* (15) & 1/10 vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2015 The night Hardik announced himself.
   In a crucial league match, the youngster hit two game-turning sixes in the final over and bowled a tight spell. It was the birth of the Pandya impact in IPL.
6. 61 (31) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2018 When MI needed a lifeline, Hardik responded.
   MI were in trouble at 62/4, but Hardik rebuilt with flair and then unleashed a six-storm in the last few overs. Though MI fell short, his knock stood out.
7. 3/20 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2019 Three crucial wickets in the middle overs.
   Known more for his batting, Hardik proved his bowling worth with tight lines and vital breakthroughs. His spell helped MI defend a low total on a tricky wicket.
8. 42* (13) vs Delhi Capitals – IPL 2019 A death-over assault to remember.
   In just 13 balls, Hardik plundered 4 sixes and 2 fours, turning 150 into 180 in the blink of an eye. It was a knock that changed the momentum completely.
9. 30 (14) & 2/16 vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2023 The perfect T20 package.
   Hardik chipped in with a fiery cameo and two tight overs at a crucial time. He reminded everyone why he remains one of the best all-rounders in the game.
10. 61 (26) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2019 Hardik vs Bravo, a mini-battle within the war.
    Hardik smashed Dwayne Bravo for multiple sixes in the final overs, single-handedly lifting MI past 170. His calculated assault turned a middling score into a winning one.

Conclusion

Hardik Pandya has evolved from a flamboyant finisher to a mature leader and game-changer. Whether it’s clearing the ropes, breaking partnerships, or leading from the front, his IPL journey is an embodiment of hustle, heart, and heroics. The swagger is real — and so is the substance.

*Disclaimer: This article is fan-curated and based on public match data up to IPL 2025. All stats are sourced from official IPL archives and Cricinfo.