Key Highlights:
Hardik Pandya Creates History with Fiery Fifer: In a high-octane encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, Hardik Pandya etched his name in IPL history by becoming the first captain to take a five-wicket haul in the Indian Premier League. His stunning performance helped Mumbai Indians claw back into the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and in the process, Pandya broke five major records that showcase his prowess not just as a captain but as a genuine bowling threat.
Pandya’s spell — 5/36 — was filled with energy, strategy, and sheer pace. It started with the prized wicket of Nicholas Pooran, one of LSG’s most dependable middle-order anchors. The breakthrough set the tone for what would turn into a historic spell of bowling.
Here are 5 Incredible Records Broken by Hardik in This Match:
1. First Captain to Take a Five-Wicket Haul in IPL History
Until now, no captain in the IPL’s 17-year legacy had claimed a five-wicket haul. The closest was Anil Kumble, who recorded 4/16 in 2009 while leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Pandya has now surpassed that record, creating a new benchmark for all-round leadership.
2. Best Bowling Figures by a Captain in IPL
With his 5/36, Hardik has rewritten the record books, surpassing Kumble’s long-standing milestone. What makes this achievement even more notable is that Pandya achieved this on a pitch that initially looked favorable for batters.
3. Hardik’s Career-Best IPL Spell
Prior to this, Pandya’s best IPL bowling figures were 3/17 against Rajasthan Royals back in 2022. By grabbing five wickets — including top-tier batters like Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, and David Miller — Pandya has shown his growth and confidence with the ball.
4. Only the Second Fifer in IPL 2025
This performance marks only the second five-wicket haul of the 2025 season, underlining how rare such spells are, especially in a format that favors batsmen. Pandya’s delivery mix, use of short balls, and clever slower ones were simply too good for the LSG lineup.
5. Hardik’s First Five-Wicket Haul in T20 Cricket
Though known for his explosive batting, Pandya has now proven himself as a game-changing bowler. This was his first-ever five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, showcasing his evolution into a complete all-rounder.
A Bowling Masterclass at the Right Time
The spell came at a time when Mumbai Indians were under scrutiny for their bowling inconsistencies this season. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Pandya took it upon himself to lead from the front — not just with tactical decisions but with sheer impact.
His scalps were not tail-enders but some of the most dangerous strikers in world cricket. Nicholas Pooran, known for his destructive hitting, was dismissed early. Rishabh Pant tried to counter-attack but misread a slower delivery. Aiden Markram and David Miller were undone by movement and sharp field settings. Finally, Akash Deep fell prey to a well-executed short ball, completing Pandya’s first fifer in the league.
What This Means for Mumbai Indians
After a shaky start in IPL 2025, MI’s morale got a much-needed boost from this spell. Hardik’s bowling not only gave them momentum but sent a clear message — MI’s captain is ready to take charge in every department. With the season heating up, this breakthrough could mark the turning point for MI’s campaign.
Hardik Pandya’s five-wicket haul wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a statement performance that could reshape Mumbai Indians’ journey this season. Breaking five big records, including becoming the first captain to take a fifer, Pandya proved once again why he remains one of the most impactful players in IPL history.
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