Best all-rounder in IPL 2023 season has many contenders. Each franchise has at least one top all-rounder on their roster. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, and Moeen Ali. Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are blessed with Caribbean duo Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.
We have picked Hardik Pandya as the best all-rounder in the IPL 2023 edition. The Gujarat Titans (GT) captain played a prominent role with the bat and ball in the franchise’s successful debut season in IPL. After being released from Mumbai Indians (MI), Hardik led from the front, proving why he remains the most dangerous all-rounder in the IPL.
Let’s look at how Hardik became the best all-rounder in the IPL.
Best All-rounder in IPL – The Debut
Hardik made his IPL debut in the IPL 2015 edition. The Gujarat-born cricketer played his first IPL game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Came to bat at No.8, the then 22-year-old hit two sixes in the final over. Hardik’s elder brother Krunal Pandya, currently plying his trade with Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG), joined him at MI the following season.
Debut Highlights
Hardik made his debut against RCB
Hit his second ball for a six
Scored 16* off just four balls
Helped MI go past 200 runs in the match
Bowled three overs and conceded 37 runs
2017 – The Breakthrough Season
After an ordinary outing in the 2016 season, Hardik established himself as an aggressive low-order batter in the tenth edition of IPL. He made a 15-ball 35, which included four sixes, and helped MI post a challenging total of 184 in their opening fixture of the 2017 season. The all-rounder also grabbed the wicket of Ben Stokes in the same game.
Though he didn’t register a single 50+ score in the season, Hardik made 250 runs at a strike rate of 156. The MI think-tank knew that Hardik would emerge as the best all-rounder in IPL in the future. And he didn’t disappoint them.
Memorable 2019 – The Rise of Best All-Rounder in IPL
Hardik, who bowls medium pace, had two brilliant seasons with the ball for MI. In the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the GT skipper picked up a total of 32 wickets. The 2019 edition was his best as an all-rounder. He crossed the ten-wicket mark for the second consecutive season and scored over 400 runs.
The Breathtaking 91
Among the best knocks in a losing cause, Hardik’s stunning 91 against KKR stands out. He came to the crease when MI was reduced to 58/4 in the 10th over while chasing a mammoth 233. It was raining sixes as Hardik took the attack to the KKR bowlers. He reached his half-century in just 17 balls – his fastest fifty in IPL.
With 48 needed off 13 balls, Hardik was dismissed for 91. He stitched together two 50-run stands with ex-West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard and his elder brother Krunal.
The terrific innings saw him smash nine sixes and four fours. It remains his highest score in T20 cricket and one of the greatest knocks in his career. Though MI lost the game, Hardik once again showcased his batting prowess.
Hardik Pandya IPL Stats
MI didn’t retain Hardik ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. The all-rounder struggled with the bat in the 2021 season due to a back injury. However, MI’s loss was GT’s gain. The Ahmedabad-based franchise appointed him as captain in its maiden IPL season.
Hardik was GT’s top run-scorer and contributed well with the ball too. He won the man of the match award in the final against Rajasthan Royals – three wickets and 34 runs. Indian cricket fans were delighted as the 29-year-old returned to his usual self and excelled in his first season as captain.
Overall IPL Batting Stats
Overall IPL Bowling Stats
Final Thoughts on The Best All-Rounder in IPL
Hardik is the complete package and has been a player who rose to the rank of the best all-rounder in IPL through hard work and his love for the game. With the form he is in, Hardik could have another excellent season. Also, the GT fans would want him to be the most dangerous all-rounder in the IPL. And history suggests that he is capable of living up to the expectations.
FAQs about Best All-Rounder in IPL
Against whom did Hardik Pandya make his IPL debut?
Hardik Pandya made his IPL debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2015 season.
What is Hardik Pandya’s IPL highest score?
Hardik Pandya’s highest IPL score is 91. It came against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in the 2019 season.
Who are the captains to win the IPL?
Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Hardik Pandya are the captains to win the IPL title.
Will Hardik Pandya win the Most Valuable Award in IPL 2023 season? Make your predictions on Yolo247 Satta IPL Matka.
