IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya became the fastest Indian to smash 100 sixes

     Hardik Pandya, an all-rounder, has been the third fastest Indian to hit 100 sixes in the Indian Premier League, behind Chris Gayle and Andre Russell of the West Indies. In the ninth over of Match 21 of the IPL 2022, Pandya hit his first six of the game for Gujarat Titans against Sunrisers Hyderabad and reached the milestone. Pandya hit 100 sixes in 1046 balls, becoming him the fastest Indian to do so by a long shot. Rishabh Pant, a fellow countryman, is his nearest rival, having reached the mark in 1224 balls.

     Andre Russell of the Kolkata Knight Riders became the fastest player to reach 100 sixes with 657 balls. Chris Gayle, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings, set various records during his career, reaching the milestone in 943 balls.

     Kieron Pollard, a former Mumbai Indians teammate, is currently the fourth fastest to 100 sixes, having done so in 1094 balls. Glenn Maxwell rounds out the top five, with 1118 balls to his credit.

     Pandya, who is 28 years old, is captaining the Gujarat Titans this season, and his achievements thus far appear to have persuaded previous cricketers and analysts that he is now ready to return to the Indian team. In every match, he has scored crucial runs and bowled his full quota of four overs.

     Injury issues had limited Pandya's impact with the ball in recent years, causing him to lose his place in the Indian team. He has ruled himself out of playing for Baroda in the Ranji Trophy this season, raising questions over whether he will be able to bowl in the IPL at all.