Hardik Pandya’s Monstrous 34-Run Over From Vijay Hazare Trophy is Going Viral

Despite Hardik Pandya’s hundred, Vidarbha defeated Baroda by chasing down a 294-run target, powered by Aman Mokhade’s match-winning 150.

Hardik Pandya’s Monstrous 34-Run Over From Vijay Hazare Trophy is Going Viral

Hardik Pandya hit 34 runs in an over in a VHT encounter between Baroda and Vidarbha. (via Outlook)

Hardik Pandya marked his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy by slamming a hundred off just 68 balls for Baroda in an elite-group stage match eagainst Vidarbha. During this innings, he smashed 34 runs in a single over, an achievement that has quickly gone viral on social media.

Pandya has shown a significant resurgence to form, even since he recovered from a quadriceps injury sustained during the 2025 Asia Cup. 2025 proved to be a successful year for Pandya, as he captained the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians to the playoffs. After the Asia Cup injury, he made a comeback for the home T20I series against South Africa, where he scored two impressive half-centuries.

Making his much-awaited return to List-A cricket, Hardik Pandya hit a statement 133-run knock in his very first 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance for Baroda, versus Vidarbha. Batting first in Rajkot, Baroda did not get off to a good start, losing opener Amit Pasi in the 2nd over. Nitya Pandya, Priyanshu Moliya, Atit Sheth and Jitesh Sharma followed soon after, leaving Baroda reeling at 71/5 after the first 20 overs. 

Hardik Pandya then took the onus upon himself, forging a crucial 65-run sixth-wicket stand with his elder brother, Krunal Pandya. He took some time to settle and brought up his half-century off 44 balls, before unleashing his wrath on the Vidarbha bowlers. The 32-year-old went after left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade in the 39th over. He hit five sixes and a four, falling just short of becoming one of the few players to hit six maximums in an over. 

Pandya hit the first ball of Rekhade’s over for a six towards long-on, and followed it up with another maximum towards mid-wicket. He hit three more sixes before striking a four off the last ball to complete his maiden List-A century off just 68 deliveries. He kept the onslaught on until the 46th over, before being dismissed by Yash Thakur for 133 runs off 92 balls, have struck eight fours and six maximums.

The 32-year-old’s heroic performance helped Baroda reach a first-innings total of 293/9. For Vidarbha, Yash Thakur was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4/64, while Nachiket Bhute and Parth Rekhade each took two wickets.

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Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah left out of India’s ODI Team for New Zealand Tour

The BCCI most recently announced a 15-member Indian senior men’s squad for the upcoming three ODIs against New Zealand at home. Key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been left out, keeping workload management for the two players in mind. 

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah NZ ODIs
Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have been left out of the Indian squad for the ODIs against New Zealand. (via Inside Sport)

Hardik Pandya has not played an ODI since the Men in Blues’ Champions Trophy final victory over New Zealand in March 2025, making it a lengthy absence for a player of his stature. He has yet to be cleared by the Center of Excellence (CoE) to bowl a full quota of ten overs. Pandya has only been allowed to bat and bowl in the shortest format of the game, with him being kept out due to the risk of aggravation.

Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are a part of India’s squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, and it remains essential for them to remain fit and in form until then. Ruturaj Gaikwad is another player who has been left out of the ODI squad against New Zealand, despite him being in great touch in the 50-over format, having also hit a century in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa. 

It was also expected that Devdutt Padikkal would be selected for the NZ series, following his phenomenal performance in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Padikkal has scored 514 runs in just five innings, averaging 102.80, including four impressive centuries.

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