Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, has etched his name in the history books once again, but this time, it’s not for his cricketing feats. Known for his explosive batting, sharp bowling, and impeccable fielding, Pandya has set a new record on social media, proving that he is a star both on and off the field. After his impressive performance in the Champions Trophy, where he made significant contributions with both bat and ball, Pandya has now achieved the fastest 1 million likes on Instagram, breaking a record previously held by Virat Kohli.
Hardik Pandya’s Record-Breaking Instagram Post
Hardik Pandya took to Instagram to share a post after winning the Champions Trophy with Team India. The post quickly went viral, reaching 1 million likes in just 6 minutes, creating a new milestone in the world of social media. The previous record for the fastest 1 million likes on Instagram was held by none other than Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli. Kohli’s post after India’s victory in the T20 World Cup had achieved 1 million likes in 7 minutes. However, Pandya’s lightning-fast achievement surpassed this by a minute, showing his growing popularity not just as a cricketer but also as a social media sensation.
Hardik Pandya and the Iconic Trophy Pose
The post that earned Pandya this record was taken after India’s victory in the Champions Trophy, where he posed with the prestigious trophy. After the final match, Pandya went to the pitch with Axar Patel to capture the moment, and during this time, a number of photographers and cameramen surrounded the duo to take pictures of the celebrations. The image shows Pandya striking his iconic pose with the Champions Trophy, a pose he would later repeat after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. His confident stance with the trophy in hand became an iconic moment for both the fans and the media, symbolizing his dominance in world cricket.
Pandya’s victory pose has now been immortalized, as fans on social media flooded his post with admiration and congratulatory messages. The picture not only highlights the joy of winning a major cricket tournament but also represents the significance of Pandya’s role in India’s cricketing triumphs.
Pandya’s Social Media Popularity
Hardik Pandya is no stranger to social media. With over 38.8 million followers on Instagram, he is one of the most followed cricketers globally. Known for sharing glimpses of his personal life, his fitness routine, and on-field moments, Pandya’s Instagram account provides fans with a closer look at his life beyond cricket. His popularity on the platform has only increased over the years, and his latest post is proof of his ever-growing fan base.
HARDIK PANDYA – THE FASTEST INDIAN TO HIT 1M LIKE ON INSTRAGRAM. 🤯
– 1M Like In just 6 minutes….!!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/llCQGK8XJ4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 12, 2025
Before the record-breaking 1 million likes on his Champions Trophy post, Pandya’s Instagram was already a hub of engagement. At the time of writing this article, the post has accumulated 16.5 million likes, further cementing Pandya’s status as one of the most popular athletes on Instagram. Additionally, the post has garnered over 300,000 comments, with fans from around the world expressing their admiration for the cricketer. These impressive engagement statistics demonstrate the huge online presence Pandya has built and the vast global audience that supports him.
Hardik Pandya’s Champions Trophy Performance
Pandya’s contribution to India’s victory in the Champions Trophy was immense, as he played a crucial role in both the batting and bowling departments. In the tournament, Pandya scored 99 runs in four innings, delivering vital runs in pressure situations. Though he didn’t have a massive individual score, his runs came at key moments when the team needed them the most. Apart from his batting, Pandya was instrumental with the ball, taking 4 wickets in the tournament, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
His performance in the Champions Trophy was one of the reasons why India triumphed in the prestigious tournament. Pandya’s versatility as a player allows him to contribute in multiple aspects of the game, making him one of India’s most valuable players. His ability to deliver match-winning performances with both bat and ball continues to be a crucial factor in India’s cricketing success.
Pandya’s Popularity Beyond Cricket
Pandya’s immense popularity is not just due to his cricketing abilities, but also because of his charismatic persona. Known for his stylish off-field looks and confident attitude, Pandya is a favorite among advertisers and brands. His social media following has helped him land several lucrative endorsement deals, further boosting his public profile. Pandya’s fitness, fashion sense, and outgoing personality make him relatable to a younger audience, helping him build a massive fan base on platforms like Instagram.
Pandya’s posts often feature glimpses into his family life, his work-out routines, and his adventures outside the cricket field. His active engagement with fans and consistent sharing of personal moments has made him a relatable and approachable figure for his followers. Additionally, Pandya’s openness about his fitness journey has inspired many of his fans to follow a healthy lifestyle, further enhancing his influence as a role model.
Pandya’s Absence in IPL 2025
Despite his social media success and cricketing achievements, Pandya will not be available for the IPL 2025 season’s first match. As per the rules, Pandya has been handed a one-match suspension due to Mumbai Indians being found guilty of violating the slow over-rate rule three times in the previous season. This means that Pandya will not be able to take part in Mumbai Indians’ first match of the season, which is scheduled to be played on March 22, 2025. Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings in the season opener on March 23, 2025, but Pandya will have to watch from the sidelines for the first game.
This suspension comes after Mumbai Indians were penalized for maintaining slow over-rates in three of their matches in the previous season. Pandya’s absence from the opening match will be felt by the team, especially considering his ability to impact games with both bat and ball. However, it is expected that he will return to action in the subsequent matches of IPL 2025.
Hardik Pandya’s incredible achievements on the field are well-documented, but his success on social media is another testament to his rising star power. Breaking the record for the fastest 1 million likes on Instagram, Pandya has shown that his appeal extends beyond just cricket. With millions of fans worldwide, Pandya continues to solidify his position as one of India’s most popular and influential cricketers. Whether it’s with the bat, the ball, or his captivating presence on social media, Pandya is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world. As he looks forward to more success in both his personal and professional life, fans eagerly await his next big moment—on and off the field.
