Hardik Pandya turned back the clock in style during the Mumbai Indians’ clash against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 5 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The MI skipper delivered a career-best performance with the ball, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in the IPL. Despite his brilliance, MI couldn’t contain the LSG charge, as the hosts posted a commanding 203/8.
Pandya began his spell with a bang, removing the in-form Nicholas Pooran in his first over. He followed it up by dismissing LSG captain Rishabh Pant, who has been enduring a rough patch with the bat. Pandya’s clever variations and change of pace paid off again in the 18th over when he broke the backbone of the LSG innings by removing a well-set Aiden Markram for 53.
The allrounder then returned in the final over to complete his five-for, cleaning up David Miller and Akash Deep in consecutive balls. His final figures of 5/36 not only marked his personal best but also etched his name into the IPL record books.
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With this feat, Pandya became the first IPL captain to take five wickets in a match, surpassing previous benchmarks set by Anil Kumble, who held the record for the best bowling figures as an IPL captain with 4/16 – a feat he achieved twice against the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. JP Duminy and Shane Warne are the only other IPL captains to take four wickets in an innings.
What a spell by Hardik Pandya! Just one full toss in the whole spell. He bowled 33.35% good length, took 1 wicket there, and planned with 62.5% back-of-length balls claiming 4 wickets.
Pure accuracy and smart bowling. 👏
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) April 4, 2025
Despite Pandya’s heroics, LSG still managed to breach the 200-run mark. Key contributions came from Markram and Mitchell Marsh, who both struck fluent half-centuries to steer their team to a strong total.
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While the Mumbai Indians may not have sealed the win, Pandya’s spell was a clear reminder of his impact potential, especially with the ball – a timely boost for both MI and Team India as the business end of the tournament approaches.
IPL captains with the best bowling figures:
- 5/36 – Hardik Pandya vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
- 4/16 – Anil Kumble vs DCH, Johannesburg, 2009
- 4/16 – Anil Kumble vs DCH, Navi Mumbai, 2010
- 4/17 – JP Duminy vs SRH, Vizag, 2015
- 4/21 – Shane Warne vs DCH, Nagpur, 2010
