Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder, has been making waves not just on the cricket field, but also on social media. His recent Instagram post, which featured him posing with the Champions Trophy, has garnered an astonishing number of likes in record time. The image, which was posted shortly after India’s triumph in the tournament, has become a talking point among fans and critics alike. In the post, Pandya is seen posing with the trophy, accompanied by teammate Axar Patel, who was tasked with capturing the moment.
As the news of India’s victory spread, fans flocked to social media to congratulate the team, and Pandya’s post was at the center of it all. The image, which was posted on Instagram, racked up an impressive 1 million likes in a mere 6 minutes, shattering the previous record held by none other than his teammate, Virat Kohli. Kohli’s post, which was uploaded after India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, had taken 7 minutes to reach the 1 million like mark. This feat is a testament to Pandya’s massive popularity and his ability to connect with his fans on social media.
Pandya’s performance in the Champions Trophy was nothing short of exceptional. He played crucial innings with the bat and also chipped in with important wickets, showcasing his value to the team. In the four matches he played, he scored 99 runs and picked up 4 wickets, often providing the spark that India needed to get ahead in the game. His contributions, although not always in the spotlight, were pivotal to India’s success in the tournament. For instance, his 30-ball 38 against Pakistan in the group stage helped India win a thrilling encounter, and his 2/22 against Sri Lanka in the semifinals restricted the opposition to a below-par total.
The all-rounder’s Instagram account has been abuzz with activity, with his follower count standing at an impressive 38.8 million. He follows 364 accounts, and his posts often generate a significant amount of engagement. The post in question, which has amassed 16.5 million likes at the time of writing, has also garnered over 300,000 comments, with fans pouring in to congratulate him on his achievement. As of now, the post has become one of the most-liked posts on Instagram, with fans and fellow cricketers alike showering praise on Pandya.
Now, as Pandya returns to India, he will be joining the Mumbai Indians camp ahead of the upcoming IPL season. The tournament is set to kick off on March 22, with Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings in their first match on March 23. However, Pandya will be missing the opening encounter due to a one-match ban imposed on him. The ban comes as a result of Mumbai Indians being penalized for slow over rates in the previous season, with Pandya being the captain at the time. Despite this setback, Pandya will be looking to make a significant impact in the tournament, and his form in the Champions Trophy will undoubtedly give him a lot of confidence.
Key Statistics:
- 1 million likes on Hardik Pandya’s Instagram post in 6 minutes
- Previous record held by Virat Kohli, with 1 million likes in 7 minutes
- Hardik Pandya’s performance in the Champions Trophy: 99 runs and 4 wickets in 4 matches
- 38.8 million followers on Hardik Pandya’s Instagram account
- 16.5 million likes and over 300,000 comments on the record-breaking post
As the cricketing world continues to evolve, it’s clear that social media has become an integral part of the game. Players like Hardik Pandya, who have a massive following, have the power to shape the narrative and connect with their fans in ways that were previously unimaginable. With the IPL season just around the corner, it will be exciting to see how Pandya and his teammates perform, both on and off the field.