Hardik Pandya hammers half-century on T20 comeback: Key stats
What's the story
Playing his first competitive match since September this year, Hardik Pandya hammered an unbeaten half-century. The Indian all-rounder led Baroda to a seven-wicket win over Punjab in the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy encounter in Hyderabad. Hardik's unbeaten 77 (42) helped Baroda chase down 223 in the final over. He returned after recovering from a left quadricep injury he sustained during the Asia Cup.
Knock
Hardik shines in challenging chase
Baroda, chasing a mammoth 223, saw a quickfire 66-run opening stand between Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat. They were soon down to 92/2 in the eighth over. However, Hardik and Shivalik Sharma added a century stand to take Baroda past 100. While the latter retired out, Hardik shone with an unbeaten 77 off 43 balls (7 fours and 4 sixes).
Recovery
Rehabilitation journey post-injury
As mentioned, Hardik last played for India during the 2025 T20 Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka on September 26. He had since been recovering from a left quadricep injury. The all-rounder began his rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on October 15. After a three-day Diwali break, he continued his fitness training there until November 29.
Information
Hardik takes a wicket
Earlier in the match, Hardik started the proceedings with the ball, with Punjab electing to bat. While Abhishek Sharma hammered a 19-ball 50, Hardik dismissed Anmolpreet Singh, who smashed 69 (32). However, the former conceded 52 runs in four overs.
Career
A look at his T20 numbers
Hardik, India's most prolific seam-bowling all-rounder at present, has raced to 5,700 runs from 309 T20s at an average of 29.84. He slammed his 22nd half-century in the format. Hardik has a remarkable strike rate of 142.67 in T20s. He also completed 300 sixes in the format. The all-rounder has accounted for 209 wickets with his medium pace at 28.26.