Raipur: Hardik Pandya added a new milestone to his international career during the second T20I against New Zealand, surpassing Virat Kohli to become India’s second-most capped player in men’s T20Is. His appearance in the match took his tally to 126 games, edging past Kohli, who played 125 T20Is for India.

Only Rohit Sharma remains above Pandya on India’s all-time T20I appearance list. Rohit featured in 159 matches before retiring from the format in 2024, a record that still stands as the benchmark for Indian players.

Consistent all-round contributions

Pandya’s longevity in the format has been matched by consistent performances with both bat and ball. Across 126 T20I appearances, he has scored 2,027 runs at an average of 28.54, with a highest score of 71 not out. As a bowler, he has taken 102 wickets at an average of 26.85.

His dual impact has made him one of India’s most reliable all-round options in limited-overs cricket. In the opening match of the ongoing series against New Zealand, Pandya contributed 25 runs off 16 deliveries and picked up 2 wickets for 20 runs in his two overs.

Elite company in T20Is

The milestone further underlines Pandya’s place among an elite group. He is one of only four Indian cricketers to have played more than 100 T20 internationals, alongside Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. His performances continue to reflect his value to the Indian side in the shortest format.

Suryakumar Yadav joins 100 T20I club

The ongoing series has also seen another landmark achievement within the Indian camp. Captain Suryakumar Yadav became the fourth Indian to reach the 100-match mark in T20Is during the first encounter against New Zealand.

The right-handed batsman has amassed 2,788 runs in 93 innings at an average of 35.29, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries. He currently stands as India’s third-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals.

Match update: New Zealand post 208

In the second T20I, New Zealand batted strongly to post 208 runs in their innings. Captain Mitchell Santner led from the front with a quick 47 off 27 balls, while Rachin Ravindra set the tone early, scoring 44 off 26 deliveries. India’s bowlers will need to step up to chase down a challenging total in the second half of the match.