Aakash Chopra praised Hardik Pandya for consistently delivering against Pakistan, noting he is India’s top wicket-taker in ICC events. In India’s six-wicket win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Hardik took 2/31 in eight overs, dismissing Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel. Though he scored just eight runs, his bowling was crucial. Chopra highlighted Hardik’s impact in high-stakes India-Pakistan matches.
“Who has the most wickets against Pakistan in ICC events? Forget names like Zaheer Khan or Mitchell Starc – it’s Hardik Pandya. He has 14 wickets, while Starc has 11, Ashish Nehra 10, and Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, and Courtney Walsh have nine. There’s something about him when it comes to Pakistan, as if they’ve done something to upset him,” Chopra remarked.
“You can look at his record in any match against Pakistan. In the 2016 Asia Cup, he was dismissed for a duck but took three wickets, giving away just eight runs. In a group match during the 2017 Champions Trophy, he scored an unbeaten 20 off six balls and claimed two wickets. Then, in the Champions Trophy final, he fought hard, scoring 76 runs off 43 balls and also picked up a wicket,” Chopra recalled.
“In the 2019 World Cup, he took two wickets and scored 26 runs. In the 2022 Asia Cup, he was named Player of the Match for 33* and 3/25. At the 2022 T20 World Cup, he scored 40, took 3 wickets, and dismissed Mohammad Nawaz. In the 2023 World Cup, he took two wickets but didn’t bat. He scored 87 off 90 balls in the 2023 Asia Cup without bowling. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, he took two wickets,” Chopra observed.
“But it’s not just about Pakistan. He shines in critical moments. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, Heinrich Klaasen was going strong, but who got him out? Hardik Pandya. Who took David Miller’s wicket in the final over? Hardik Pandya. Shami was injured and out of the game (in the 2025 Champions Trophy). Who took down Babar Azam? Hardik Pandya,” he said (4:30).
“Whenever the team is in trouble, Hardik Pandya steps up with match-winning performances. He brings balance to the side and is the backbone of India’s white-ball cricket. He’s the most valuable player, offering what no one else does,” Chopra concluded.
Chopra said India might have needed three specialist seamers in the 2025 Champions Trophy without Hardik and suggested his presence could have strengthened India’s 2023 World Cup final batting.
