In a glittering chapter of IPL history, Hardik Pandya became the first-ever captain in the league’s 17-year run to secure a five-wicket haul. The Mumbai Indians skipper pulled off this record-breaking feat against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during Match No. 16 of IPL 2025 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Pandya’s sensational 5/36 also marked his career-best T20 figures, surpassing his previous best of 4/16 against New Zealand in 2023. This spell didn’t just turn the match in MI’s favor, but it also solidified Hardik’s place as one of the most impactful all-rounders in world cricket.
Captain Fantastic: Pandya Shines with the Ball
Hardik brought himself into the attack in the 9th over after LSG had built early momentum thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 60 off 31 balls. His decision proved fruitful as he dismissed Nicholas Pooran right away.
Highlights:
- Hardik Pandya takes 5/36 vs LSG — his best-ever T20 bowling figures.
- Becomes first captain in IPL history to claim a five-wicket haul.
- Dismissed Pooran, Pant, Markram, Miller, and Akash Deep in a fiery spell.
- Surpasses his previous T20 best of 4/16 (vs NZ, 2023).
- Now 2nd behind Shane Warne in IPL wickets taken as captain.
The spell only grew deadlier. Pandya quickly sent back Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Akash Deep—crippling LSG’s chances of pushing beyond 220. His clever use of pace and variation caught even seasoned batters off guard.
Despite a formidable total of 203/8 by Lucknow, thanks to Marsh and Markram’s efforts, it was Pandya’s spell that grabbed all the headlines. David Miller, during the mid-innings break, praised Pandya for bowling “quicker than he looks” and mastering the length.
A Record for the Ages
With this fifer, Hardik Pandya has now taken 30 IPL wickets as captain, only behind the late Shane Warne, who claimed 57. That he achieved this milestone while leading one of the league’s most followed franchises only adds to the weight of his achievement.
The IPL has seen magical spells over the years, but never before had a captain achieved a five-wicket haul. Hardik’s aggressive approach and strategic leadership have redefined what’s expected from a modern-day skipper.
This performance might very well mark a turning point in MI’s 2025 campaign, which had seen a rocky start. The veteran all-rounder showed he can still turn games single-handedly.
LSG’s Strong Start Foiled
Earlier in the evening, LSG looked dominant. After being put to bat first, they raced past 100 inside 10 overs. Marsh took the attack to MI bowlers with six fours and four sixes, while Markram chipped in with a steady 53.
- Hardik Pandya continues to break barriers with both bat and ball.
- Strategic leadership helped MI regain control in a high-scoring match.
- LSG’s top-order promise fizzled out against Pandya’s precise bowling.
- Mumbai’s IPL 2025 campaign could pivot from this inspirational spell.
But once Marsh fell to Vignesh Puthur, MI found their rhythm. Hardik capitalized on the slowdown, exploiting a pitch that was “a bit sticky” as described by Miller. The dew factor stayed away, and MI’s bowlers used the slower nature of the wicket to their advantage.
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LSG’s lower order failed to capitalize on the start. With Pandya constantly striking, they had to settle for 203/8—a target that looked 20 runs short given their blazing start.
Pandya’s Leadership Evolves
While many questioned his return as captain of MI, this performance speaks volumes. Hardik Pandya is evolving—not just as an all-rounder but as a true cricketing leader. He has now joined an elite list of captains who’ve led with both bat and ball.
His confidence in bringing himself into the attack at a key moment, and then backing it up with an unforgettable performance, reflects a mature cricketing brain.
Mumbai Indians, bolstered by Pandya’s brilliance, now look like contenders once again. This spell could become the cornerstone of their comeback in IPL 2025.
