The IPL 2025 continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and Monday night at the Wankhede Stadium was no different. As the Mumbai Indians hosted Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-octane clash, fans witnessed a landmark moment in Indian cricket history.
While Virat Kohli dazzled with a fluent 67 off 42 balls, it was MI skipper Hardik Pandya who stole the headlines with a jaw-dropping achievement that etched his name in the record books.

With the wickets of Kohli and Liam Livingstone in a single over, Hardik Pandya not only made a statement on the field but also became the first Indian cricketer to complete the double of 5000 runs and 200 wickets in T20s.
The all-rounder's feat places him among an elite club of just 12 players globally, showcasing his immense value in the game's shortest format. It was a night of milestones, momentum swings, and Mumbai magic - with Hardik at the heart of it all.
The electric Wankhede crowd had just settled in when the home team opted to bowl first. The early strike gave MI a dream start, but the RCB run machine Virat Kohli had other plans. In his usual charismatic style, Kohli blasted 67 off 42 deliveries, finding the boundary rope eight times and clearing it twice. He looked all set for his first century of the season, crafting steady partnerships with Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar.
However, the tide turned when Hardik Pandya returned for his second over. Bowling with intent and fire, the MI skipper managed to dismiss the in-form Kohli, thanks to a sharp catch by Naman Dhir. And just three balls later, he struck again — removing English star Liam Livingstone for a duck.
But this wasn’t just about match momentum — it was history in the making.
With Livingstone’s wicket, Pandya picked up his 200th T20 scalp, becoming the first Indian cricketer ever to achieve the remarkable double of 5000+ runs and 200 wickets in the shortest format of the game. The 31-year-old all-rounder joined an elite club of just 12 players globally who have managed this feat.
While the stats column will show that Pandya conceded 45 runs in his four overs — including a rather forgettable final over that went for 23 — his scalps of Kohli and Livingstone overshadowed the figures. His final tally read 4-0-45-2.
Speaking after his spell, the MI captain humbly stated, “It’s always special to contribute when it matters. Virat’s wicket was big. We’re chasing a steep total but the belief is strong.”
RCB, meanwhile, continued their charge despite Hardik's double strike. At the 17-over mark, they were cruising at 192/4, eventually closing on 221/5, with Rajat Patidar providing the finishing fireworks. For MI, veteran seamer Trent Boult was the other name in the wickets column but had a forgettable outing — conceding 57 runs, his most expensive spell in IPL history.
Youngster Vignesh Puthur chipped in with a crucial wicket of Padikkal, but it was clear that the night belonged to one man in blue and gold.
As expected, cricket fans and pundits flooded social media celebrating Hardik’s iconic milestone.
"Hardik Pandya’s name now sits beside legends. He’s no longer just India’s premier all-rounder — he’s a T20 great!" tweeted cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle.
Another fan posted: “5000 runs. 200 wickets. One Hardik Pandya. Take a bow, champion!”
The achievement is even more impressive when viewed in the context of modern T20s. With specialist batters and bowlers dominating the format, all-rounders like Pandya are a rarity — and those who consistently deliver across seasons, even more so.