Hardik Pandya smashes Virat Kohli’s rare social media record despite having 230 million less Instagram followers

Hardik Panyda's social media post with the Champions Trophy attracted one million likes in just six minutes, breaking Virat Kohli's record.

Hardik Pandya smashes Virat Kohli’s rare social media record despite having 230 million less Instagram followers

Hardik Pandya broke Virat Kohli's record with, garnering a million likes on his recent post in just six minutes. (via Instagram)

Star Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya once again grabbed headlines, but not for his all-round display during India’s recent Champions Trophy victory. The 31-year-old broke a social media record with his latest post, even surpassing the likes of Virat Kohli.

India triumphed at the Dubai International Stadium, winning the ICC Champions Trophy for the third time. The Men in Blue also became the most successful team ever in the history of the competition. Moreover, the Indian team has now made it to three CT finals in a row.

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This time, however, the team went on an unbeaten run in the competition, defeating Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand in the group stages. India then beat Australia in the semi-final, before going on to beat the Kiwis once again, in the summit clash. All-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been a pivotal part of the squad, did not take a wicket, but scored a crucial 18 runs off 18 deliveries, in a thrilling chase.

The 31-year-old ended the tournament with four wickets in six matches at an average of 35.75. Hardik Pandya also scored 99 runs in total, at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 106.45. Following the team’s historic CT triumph, he celebrated the win with his iconic ‘Khaby Lame’ gesture. He posed with the trophy on the pitch, while putting out his hands in a comical manner, on Instagram.

Hardik Pandya’s post with the trophy quickly set the internet ablaze, setting a new social media record in India. The flamboyant picture became the fastest in the country to grab 1 million likes, breaking a record previously held by Indian teammate Virat Kohli. Pandya’s post attracted a million likes in just six minutes, while Kohli’s post after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win made it to the million mark in seven minutes.

Pandya’s post currently has more than 16 million likes and an astonishing 310k comments, in an account that has 38.9 million followers. The Champions Trophy win is the Baroda-born star’s first-ever in the 50-over format for India. He had posted a similar picture with the hilarious solo pose, following India’s T20 World Cup victory last year.

Nonetheless, the 31-year-old will next be in action for Mumbai Indians. He will captain the five-time IPL winners for the second straight season. However, Pandya is set to remain out for the inaugural match against CSK, owing to a suspension from last season.

Champions Trophy winners Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma arrive for Mumbai Indians camp

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League season, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma arrived in Mumbai to join the Mumbai Indians training camp. The two stars come fresh off the Indian cricket team’s 2025 Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai.

Hardik Pandya Rohit Sharma MI
Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma have returned to join the Mumbai Indians camp, ahead of the 2025 IPL season. (via NDTV)

Players joined in to train at the iconic Wankhede Stadium ahead of MI’s season opener against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings. Skipper Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma are expected to join the likes of other MI youngsters including Naman Dhir, Robin Minz and Arjun Tendulkar.

The five-time IPL winner will be hoping to better their recent record in the competition. MI failed to make it past the group stage in three of the last four seasons. They will be banking on the likes of new arrivals, Trent Boult, Will Jacks and others. Jasprit Bumrah‘s availability for the tournament remains in doubt, owing to injury issues.

Meanwhile, head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed optimism regarding the team’s chances, ahead of the new IPL season. Training the squad, he will be joined by the team’s bowling coach and Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga.