Kung Fu Pandya Matches Legends As He Joins India’s Most Explosive Six-Hitters List

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Hardik Pandya has entered an exclusive club of Indian power-hitters, joining Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav on the six-hitting list. His latest milestone reinforces his role as one of India’s most impactful finishers in modern cricket.

Hardik Pandya saved India from a batting collapse and scored 59 runs off 28 balls to help the hosts post 175/6 in 20 overs.

Hardik Saves India

In the first T20I against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday (December 9, 2025), India were reeling at one stage after being asked to bat first. The hosts lost four early wickets as Shubman Gill (4), Suryakumar Yadav (12), Abhishek Sharma (17), and Tilak Varma (26) departed to the hut cheaply. 

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At one stage, it seemed that India wouldn't even pass the 150-run mark. However, Hardik, who was returning to the side after an injury in the Asia Cup, started a counterattack. He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes in his knock and gave the hosts a fighting score.

Hardik brought up his half-century on the second delivery of the final over of India's innings as he hit a maximum off the bowling of Anrich Nortje. In the final four balls he faced in his knock, Hardik smashed 11 runs.

After he brought up his half-century, both captain Suryakumar and head coach Gautam Gambhir gave him a standing ovation from the dugout, taking note of his special performance.

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Link: https://x.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1998412086326837451?s=20

(Courtesy: X/@StarSportsIndia)

Hardik Pandya's Six-hitting Record

Hardik became the fourth Indian to hit 100 sixes in T20Is, and he joined Rohit Sharma (205), Suryakumar Yadav (155), and Virat Kohli (124) in the elite list. The allrounder smashed 4 sixes in the match and now has 100 sixes in T20I.

Pandya on His Comeback

Hardik was awarded the Player of the Match, and during the presentation ceremony, he shared, “I had to back my shots. At the same point of time, I realized that the wicket had a bit of spice. You had to be a little gutsy, and it was more about timing the ball, not trying to break the ball. I was very satisfied with the way I was batting.” 

“I think the last six or seven months have been really amazing from a fitness standpoint. I don’t make a big deal about the hard work that goes behind it, but at the same time, these last 50 days, being away from your loved ones, spending time at the NCA, making sure everything is covered. It’s very satisfying when you come here, and the results follow,” Pandya continued.

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India will face South Africa for the second T20I on Thursday (December 11, 2025). India lost the test series to the Proteas by 2-0 and bounced back strongly in the ODI series. The hosts won the ODI series 2-1.