Hardik Pandya Reaches 100 T20I Sixes, Joins Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on Elite List

Hardik Pandya has once again etched his name into the record books. On December 9, 2025, during the first T20 International between India and South Africa in Cuttack, the Indian all‑rounder hit his 100th six in T20I cricket, becoming only the fourth Indian batter to reach this milestone. This achievement puts Pandya in an elite group alongside Indian cricket greats Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav — players known for their powerful batting and consistent performances in the shortest format of the game.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes this achievement significant, how Hardik Pandya arrived at this point in his career, and why this milestone matters for Indian cricket.

The Milestone Moment: Hardik Pandya’s 100th T20I Six

In the first T20I of the India vs South Africa series, Hardik Pandya delivered one of his most memorable performances. Coming in when India’s batting was in trouble, Pandya counter‑attacked with a blazing 59 not out off 28 balls that included multiple sixes and fours. It was in this innings that he cleared the 100‑six mark in T20 Internationals.

Reaching this landmark isn’t just about power hitting — it’s about consistency, match awareness, and the ability to change games under pressure. Pandya’s innings helped India post a competitive total of 175/6, and India went on to win the match in dominant fashion.

What the 100 Sixes Signify

A Rare Achievement

Hitting 100 sixes in T20 Internationals is no small feat. Across Indian cricket history, only three batters achieved this before Pandya:

• Rohit Sharma – 205 sixes
• Suryakumar Yadav – 155 sixes
• Virat Kohli – 124 sixes

With 100 sixes, Hardik Pandya now sits fourth on India’s all‑time list for T20I sixes.

This list highlights Pandya’s power‑hitting ability on par with some of India’s best batters, even though he often bats lower down the order compared to Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli.

How Hardik Pandya Built His Sixes Record

Career Development

Hardik Pandya began his international career as a promising fast‑bowling all‑rounder. Over time, he evolved his batting significantly, becoming one of India’s most reliable hitters in the final overs.

Unlike specialist batters, Pandya often comes in during the middle or death overs, where hitting sixes consistently is both more difficult and more crucial. His ability to find the boundary — especially over the top — has made him invaluable in the T20 format.

Batting Style and Strengths

What sets Hardik Pandya apart is his combination of timing, technique, and sheer power. Whether clearing the infield or launching the ball over the ropes, Pandya’s sixes showcase his:

• Explosive power
• Quick decision‑making
• Adaptability to different match situations

This blend of skills has helped him amass 100 sixes across over 120 T20I matches — a testament to his sustained impact at the highest level.

The Context: India vs South Africa T20I Series

The match in which Pandya hit his 100th six was more than just another game. India faced South Africa in a five‑match T20I series. In the first game at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India’s batting was in a precarious spot before Pandya’s assault.

Once he took charge, he turned the momentum completely. The innings not only helped India set a strong target but also illustrated Pandya’s natural ability to perform when his team needs him most.

India’s bowlers then backed up the total with a clinical performance, bundling out South Africa for a low total and sealing a 101‑run victory.

How This Milestone Impacts Pandya’s Career

Cementing His Legacy

For an all‑rounder like Hardik Pandya, achieving 100 T20I sixes adds another defining layer to his career. He’s not just a capable batsman — he’s a match‑winner with the bat and the ball. This milestone:

• Places him among India’s most powerful T20 batters.
• Highlights his consistency over multiple years.
• Strengthens his case as one of the most valuable players in modern T20 cricket.

Inspiring Future All‑Rounders

Pandya’s journey from a promising domestic player to an international force will inspire young cricketers who aspire to become all‑round match impact players.

His record proves that you don’t need to be a top‑order batter to make your six‑hitting count — you just need the skill, opportunity, and temperament to seize key moments.

Comparing Pandya with Elite Indian Batters

While he trails Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in the number of sixes, Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in this list emphasizes his consistency and relevance in India’s T20 setup. Players like Rohit and Kohli have been active for longer periods and more matches, yet Pandya continues to close gaps through his dynamic play.

What makes this even more impressive is that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have often batted at the top of the order, facing more deliveries and conditions that allow for big innings. Pandya, on the other hand, delivers quickfire performances, frequently under pressure.

What’s Next for Hardik Pandya?

Hardik Pandya is now eyeing new milestones. According to recent reports, he’s just one wicket away from joining an even rarer club — becoming the first fast‑bowling all‑rounder to complete both 100 sixes and 100 T20I wickets.

This potential achievement would further cement his status as a true all‑format T20 specialist.

Conclusion: A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Hardik Pandya’s 100 T20I sixes are more than just a number. They reflect a career built on power, resilience, and clutch performances. In joining legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Pandya has affirmed his place among the most exciting and important cricketers in Indian T20 history.

As he continues to evolve and chase more records, fans can expect even more thrilling innings from this dynamic all‑rounder. Hardik Pandya’s journey from boundary hitter to record‑maker shows that relentless effort and fearless batting truly pay off on the international stage.

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