Hardik Pandya’s Highest Score in IPL: The Story Behind the 91-Run Masterclass
If you’re a fan of the Indian Premier League (IPL), you know that every season brings its own share of unforgettable moments. But some innings stand out, not just for the runs scored, but for the sheer audacity and impact they have on the game. One such knock is Hardik Pandya’s highest score in IPL-a blistering 91 off just 34 balls. As a die-hard cricket enthusiast and an admirer of Pandya’s fearless approach, let’s relive that iconic innings, understand its context, and see how it shaped his legacy in the world’s most competitive T20 league.
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Hardik Pandya in the IPL: A Snapshot
Before we dive into that unforgettable 91, let’s quickly look at Hardik Pandya’s IPL journey so far:
- Debut: 2015 with Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Teams: Mumbai Indians (2015–2021, 2024–present), Gujarat Titans (2022–2023)
- Role: Batting all-rounder, right-handed batsman, right-arm fast-medium bowler
- Career Stats (as of IPL 2025):
- Matches: 148
- Runs: 2,683
- Highest Score: 91
- Strike Rate: 145.6
- Fifties: 10
- Sixes: 136
- Fours: 189
- Wickets: 64
Hardik Pandya has always been known for his explosive batting, especially in the death overs, and his utility as a bowler. Whether it’s finishing games or breaking partnerships, he’s been a match-winner for both MI and GT.
The Record-Breaking Innings: 91 off 34 vs KKR (IPL 2019):
Match Details
- Date: April 28, 2019
- Teams: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Context: MI was chasing a mammoth 233 set by KKR in a high-stakes late-season clash.
The Situation
When Hardik Pandya walked in to bat, MI’s required run rate was over 15 per over. Most teams would have buckled under pressure, but Pandya had other plans. What followed was one of the most explosive innings in IPL history.
Detailed Breakdown of the Innings:
Batting Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 91 |
| Balls Faced | 34 |
| Fours | 6 |
| Sixes | 9 |
| Strike Rate | 267.64 |
| Fastest Fifty | 17 balls |
- Boundaries: Pandya’s 91 included 6 fours and 9 towering sixes, sending the Eden Gardens crowd into a frenzy.
- Fastest Fifty of IPL 2019: He reached his half-century in just 17 balls-the fastest in the 2019 season and among the quickest in IPL history.
- Partnerships: Pandya’s counterattack kept MI in the hunt, even as wickets tumbled at the other end.
Notable Moments
- Pandya’s assault began almost immediately, targeting both spinners and pacers with equal disdain.
- His six-hitting spree off Andre Russell and others was a treat for cricket fans.
- The crowd, regardless of their allegiance, couldn’t help but applaud the clean power-hitting on display.
Impact on the Match
Despite Hardik Pandya’s heroics, MI fell short by 34 runs, finishing at 198/7. But the result hardly told the story of the chase. For a brief period, Pandya made the impossible seem possible, and KKR’s bowlers looked helpless.
Reactions
- Harsha Bhogle, the renowned commentator, called it “one of the innings of the IPL.”
- Even KKR fans acknowledged that Pandya’s 91 was the best knock of the night, overshadowing even Andre Russell’s fireworks.
- Pandya himself took full responsibility for the defeat, showing maturity and leadership: “We win as a team, we lose as a team. I take full ownership of this defeat.”
Statistical Significance:
How Does This Innings Compare?
- Top Score: 91 remains Pandya’s highest in IPL, ahead of his next best of 87*.
- No Centuries Yet: Despite his explosive style, Pandya is yet to score an IPL hundred, but he has 10 half-centuries to his name.
- Fastest Fifties: His 17-ball fifty is among the fastest in IPL history.
- Death Overs Beast: In IPL 2019, Pandya scored 200 runs in the last five overs from just 85 balls, striking at an unbelievable rate of 235.09.
Hardik Pandya’s Top IPL Scores
| Score | Opponent | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | KKR | 34 | 6 | 9 | 2019 |
| 87* | RR | 52 | 8 | 4 | 2022 |
| 67 | CSK | 42 | 7 | 4 | 2019 |
| 61* | KKR | 31 | 8 | 2 | 2015 |
Pandya’s Batting Style and Approach:
What Makes Hardik Pandya Special?
- Fearless Hitting: Pandya’s ability to clear the ropes at will makes him a nightmare for bowlers, especially in the final overs.
- Adaptability: He can accelerate instantly, as seen in his 17-ball fifty, and is equally comfortable against pace and spin.
- Composure Under Pressure: Even with the odds stacked against him, Pandya backs himself to chase down any total.
- Innovative Shots: From helicopter shots to scoops, he uses the full 360-degree range.
Expert Insights
Cricket experts consistently praise Pandya’s temperament and power. His 2019 season, in particular, was a turning point, as he improved his strike rate against the best pacers in the death overs, including the likes of Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada.
Legacy of the Innings:
Lasting Impact
- Fan Favorite: This innings cemented Pandya’s status as one of the IPL’s most exciting finishers.
- Benchmark for All-Rounders: Few players can turn a game around with both bat and ball the way Pandya does.
- Inspirational: Young cricketers look up to him for his confidence and never-say-die attitude.
Media and Fan Reactions
- Social media was abuzz with praise, with fans expressing both awe and heartbreak that such a knock ended in a losing cause.
- The innings is still replayed in IPL highlight reels and is often cited as one of the best individual efforts in a chase.
Visuals and Multimedia
While words can only do so much, watching the highlights of this innings is a must for any cricket lover. The sight of Hardik Pandya launching sixes into the night sky is pure entertainment.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s 91 vs KKR in IPL 2019 is more than just a high score-it’s a statement of intent, a showcase of power, and a reminder of what makes T20 cricket so thrilling. Even though MI didn’t win that night, Pandya’s innings is etched in IPL folklore as one of the bravest and most entertaining knocks ever played.
If you’re ever doubting the impact a single player can have in a high-pressure chase, just revisit this innings. Hardik Pandya didn’t just chase a target-he chased greatness, and for those 34 balls, he caught it.
Hardik Pandya IPL Batting Summary
| Season | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 | 112 | 61* | 22.4 | 180.64 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 8 |
| 2016 | 11 | 44 | 9 | 6.28 | 69.84 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17 | 250 | 35* | 35.71 | 156.25 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 20 |
| 2018 | 13 | 260 | 50 | 28.88 | 133.33 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 11 |
| 2019 | 16 | 402 | 91 | 44.66 | 191.42 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 29 |
| 2020 | 14 | 281 | 60* | 35.12 | 178.98 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 25 |
| 2021 | 12 | 127 | 40* | 14.11 | 113.39 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 5 |
| 2022 | 15 | 487 | 87* | 44.27 | 131.27 | 4 | 0 | 49 | 12 |
| 2023 | 16 | 346 | 66 | 31.45 | 136.76 | 2 | 0 | 26 | 15 |
| 2024 | 14 | 216 | 46 | 18 | 143.05 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 11 |
| 2025 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 64.71 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 137 | 2525 | 91 | 28.69 | 145.62 | 10 | 0 | 189 | 136 |
Call to Action
What’s your favorite Hardik Pandya moment in the IPL? Have you ever witnessed a more thrilling innings in a losing cause? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the magic of cricket together in the comments below!
7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Hardik Pandya’s highest score in the IPL?
Hardik Pandya’s highest score in the IPL is 91 runs, which he scored off just 34 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019.
2. Against which team did Hardik Pandya score his highest IPL runs?
He scored his highest IPL runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
3. How many sixes and fours did Hardik Pandya hit in his highest IPL innings?
In his 91-run knock, Hardik Pandya smashed 9 sixes and 6 fours.
4. Did Mumbai Indians win the match when Hardik Pandya scored 91?
No, despite his heroic effort, Mumbai Indians lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 34 runs.
5. How fast was Hardik Pandya’s fifty in his highest-scoring IPL innings?
He reached his fifty in just 17 balls, making it the fastest fifty of IPL 2019.
6. Has Hardik Pandya scored a century in the IPL?
No, Hardik Pandya has not scored a century in the IPL yet. His highest is 91.
7. What makes Hardik Pandya’s 91 against KKR so memorable?
The innings is memorable for its sheer aggression, the context of a steep run chase, and the fact that Pandya single-handedly kept Mumbai Indians in contention with his extraordinary power-hitting.
