Hardik Pandya: The one man Bangladesh just can’t escape

Every cricket rivalry has its stories, but when it comes to India vs Bangladesh, one name has become synonymous with heartbreak for the Tigers: Hardik Pandya. Time and again, the Indian all-rounder has turned up against Bangladesh with match-winning performances, proving himself as their ultimate nemesis.

The rivalry truly lit up during the 2016 T20 World Cup. Everyone remembers MS Dhoni’s lightning run-out in the final over against Bangladesh, but what often goes unnoticed is Pandya’s role in that dramatic finish. With Bangladesh needing just 2 runs off 3 balls, Pandya dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah off consecutive deliveries, leaving Dhoni to complete the final blow. Earlier in the same match, Hardik had chipped in with a crucial 15 runs off 7 balls, underlining his all-round impact.

Fast forward to the 2024 T20 World Cup, and Pandya once again stood tall. Against Bangladesh, he smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 27 balls and picked up a wicket, earning the Player of the Match award. His fearless hitting and ability to deliver in pressure situations once again highlighted why Bangladesh dread facing him.

The story didn’t stop there. In the T20I series that followed between India and Bangladesh later last year, Pandya was simply unstoppable. He finished as Player of the Series with 118 runs at a strike rate of 223 and an average of 59. Add to that a wicket, and it was clear that he had once again broken the Tigers’ back with both bat and ball.

If you dive into the numbers, Pandya’s dominance becomes even clearer. In 7 T20I innings against Bangladesh, he has scored 219 runs at an average close to 44, while striking at a jaw-dropping 197. Alongside that, he has also bagged 7 wickets, making him a complete nightmare for the Bangladeshi side.

Currently, Pandya is tied with Rashid Khan and Wanindu Hasaranga as the all-time leading wicket-taker in the T20 Asia Cup, with 14 wickets each. With Rashid already out of the tournament, Pandya has a golden chance to finish right on top.

For Bangladesh, it’s bad news. Their nemesis is back, and history shows there’s no opponent Hardik Pandya enjoys facing more than the Bangla Tigers.

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