Hardik Pandya On Brink Of Becoming First Player For THIS Unique Record As India Gear Up For UAE Clash News24 –
The countdown has begun. With the Asia Cup 2025 set to kick off on September 9 in Dubai, the excitement among fans is palpable. Team India, one of the tournament favourites, will begin their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE at the iconic Dubai International Stadium.
But beyond team strategies and match predictions, all eyes are also on one man – Hardik Pandya. Not just because of his flair, firepower, or new blonde look that’s been breaking the internet but because the star all-rounder is on the verge of making history.
17 Runs Away from Becoming a T20 Asia Cup Legend
Yes, you read that right. Hardik Pandya is just 17 runs away from creating a record no cricketer has ever achieved in T20 Asia Cup history.
So far, Hardik has picked up 11 wickets and scored 83 runs in his T20 Asia Cup career. If he manages to score 17 more runs, he’ll become the first player to score 100+ runs and take 10+ wickets in the tournament’s history.
It’s a rare all-round double and a testament to Hardik’s ability to impact the game in more ways than one.
Why Hardik’s Role is Crucial for India
As India heads into this tournament with hopes of lifting the trophy again, Hardik Pandya’s role becomes all the more crucial.
With conditions in the UAE favouring spin, India is likely to play three spinners and two pacers in most games. In such a scenario, Hardik could play the dual role of the second fast bowler and a dependable middle-order finisher – making him a vital asset in the playing XI.
With injuries, match-ups, and form all coming into play in multi-nation tournaments, the experience and versatility that Pandya brings will be invaluable.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule – Key Matches Ahead
- September 10: vs UAE
- September 14: vs Pakistan
- September 19: vs Oman
All matches will be played at the Dubai International Stadium. India is placed in Group A, and a couple of wins in the group stage should be enough to see them through to the Super Four stage.
What’s at Stake for India and Hardik?
For India, the Asia Cup serves as a key preparatory tournament ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. For Hardik, however, it could also be a defining tournament in his leadership and performance journey.
A special milestone awaits him. And knowing Hardik Pandya – the showman, the fighter, the big-match player – you wouldn’t bet against him getting there in style.
As the Asia Cup 2025 begins under the Dubai lights, fans will be hoping for a strong start from India. But keep your eyes on Hardik Pandya because if and when those 17 runs come, we might just witness a small piece of cricketing history being written.