Hardik Pandya became the fastest Indian player to hit 100 sixes in the Indian Premier League (IPL), a feat he achieved during his 42-ball stay against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With a six off Aiden Markram in the ninth over, Pandya broke the record previously set by Rishabh Pant. 

Apart from Pandya and Pant, Yusuf Pathan and Yuvraj Singh are the only Indian players in the top 10. 

It took Hardik Pandya 1046 balls to reach the milestone. In terms of six-hitting, 2019 was the most prolific season for the ace all-rounder, who struck 29 sixes in 16 matches while playing for Mumbai Indians.

Pandya has been quite impressive in his new role as a Gujarat Titans’ captain. Against the Sunrisers, he scored an unbeaten 50 to propel his team to a par total after they got off to a sluggish start. The batting, however, never has been a concern for him. 

He has been unable to contribute as a bowler due to recurrent injury. In his last two seasons with Mumbai Indians, Pandya didn’t bowl a single over, and this also jeopardised his selection in the national squad. But in the ongoing season, he has completed his quota of four overs in all four games he played.

Who is the fastest player to hit 100 sixes in IPL?

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell is the fastest cricketer to hit 100 sixes in the IPL, reaching the milestone in just 657 balls. Chris Gayle is the second fastest to hit 100 sixes, and his tally of 59 sixes in a season is yet to be surpassed. Overall, Gayle has powered 357 sixes in 142 matches.

Pandya is at No. 3, followed by his ex-colleague Kieron Pollard, who got to 100 sixes in 1094 balls. Pollard’s monstrous six-hitting ability down the order has helped Mumbai Indians win many matches from improbable situations.