First Time In T20I History: Hardik Pandya Scripts Huge World Record After Joining Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah In Elite List

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya etched his name in cricketing history during Sunday's T20I match against South Africa at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The 31-year-old achieved a milestone never before reached in T20 International cricket.

Pandya is now the first pace-bowling all-rounder to achieve the impressive double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. He reached the 100-wicket mark by dismissing Tristan Stubbs during the seventh over of South Africa's innings.

With this achievement, Pandya also becomes only the third Indian cricketer to take 100 or more wickets in the T20I format, joining Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah in this exclusive club. Arshdeep Singh has claimed 107 wickets in 70 T20I matches, with an economy of 8.35 and best figures of 4 for 9. Jasprit Bumrah has 101 wickets from 82 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.35 and best figures of 3 for 7.

Prior to Pandya, only four other cricketers worldwide had accomplished the feat of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is: Shakib Al Hasan from Bangladesh, Mohammad Nabi representing Afghanistan, Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe, and Virandeep Singh from Malaysia. Notably, all four are spin bowlers.

Hardik Pandya made his return to the Indian side on Tuesday in Cuttack for the first T20I against South Africa, following a period of absence after September 26, 2025. He marked his comeback with a remarkable unbeaten 59 off just 28 balls, including six fours and four sixes. He also contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 16 runs in his two overs, contributing to India's dominant 101-run victory over South Africa.