IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya's Major Achievements, Milestones With Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya returns to Mumbai Indians: The substantial Rs 15 crore deal between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) was confirmed following earlier reports of the all-rounder's return to MI after a two-year stint with GT.

Hardik Pandya's return to Mumbai Indians comes after he led Gujarat Titans to their inaugural IPL title in 2022, marking a significant achievement in their debut season in the league. His prior move from MI to GT before the 2022 IPL season had left a lasting impact on the Mumbai franchise, and rejoining the Rohit Sharma-led team presents him with the chance to further build on that legacy.

Since being signed for Rs 10 lakh by Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2015 player auction, Pandya has undoubtedly travelled an impressive journey. He marked his IPL debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 19.

Batting at number eight, Pandya showcased his prowess by accumulating an unbeaten 16 runs off merely six deliveries. In the 20th over, he took on Abu Nechim, dispatching two towering sixes, aiding Mumbai in setting a formidable total of 209, ultimately resulting in a victorious outcome.

In his inaugural season, Pandya further displayed his batting prowess by crafting an undefeated 61 runs off 31 deliveries against Kolkata Knight Riders. His innings proved pivotal as Mumbai Indians posted a total of 171, securing a crucial five-run victory.

Hardik Pandya became a cornerstone of MI's lineup, offering a fine balance between batting and bowling. From 2015 to 2021, he accumulated 1476 runs for MI and claimed 42 crucial wickets. His contributions were instrumental in MI clinching the IPL title on four occasions in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

In the following years, Hardik Pandya solidified his role as a finisher. In a crucial match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2015 at Chepauk, batting at number six, he scored a crucial 21 off just eight balls. His performance aided MI in successfully chasing down 159 with four balls to spare.

Fast forward to IPL 2019 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Hardik Pandya achieved his highest IPL score of 91 off merely 34 deliveries. He secured the fastest fifty of IPL 2019 during this match, accomplishing it in just 17 balls.

This feat surpassed Rishabh Pant's record of the season, who took 18 balls to score a fifty, incidentally against the Mumbai Indians.