Vijay Shankar Dominates Hardik Pandya, Smashing Three Sixes in an Over; Celebrates with Stand-and-Pose Gesture

It all unfolded in the 17th over of the first innings of the match. Shankar wasted no time as he confidently smashed the first ball, a shorter one outside off, over cow corner for a magnificent six. This shot not only delighted the fans but also helped Shankar and captain Shahrukh Khan build a solid fifth-run stand for the fourth wicket. The momentum continued as Shankar effortlessly dispatched the next ball, a fuller one outside off, over long off for another impressive six. And to cap it off, in the final ball of the over, Shankar showcased his strength once again by pulling a good-length delivery over the long-on fielder for a third consecutive six. The crowd roared with excitement as Shankar showcased his batting prowess in style.

Shankar, who had sparked an intense bidding war on Monday at his base price of INR 30 lakh, with Chennai Super Kings defeating Gujarat Titans to acquire him for INR 1.20 crore, scored a fiery 42 off 22 balls, laced with four sixes as Tamil Nadu amassed 221 for six in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan was their top-scorer at 57 off 32.

However, Baroda won the match riding on a blazing knock from Hardik. Walking in at No. 6, the India all-rounder scored four boundaries and seven sixes in his 30-ball 69 as Baroda chased down the total in a last-ball drama. Hardik, who was retained as the Mumbai Indians captain ahead of the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

Following the win, Baroda continued their winning streak in the domestic white-ball tournament as they pipped Tamil Nadu to take the top spot in the Group B points table. The Krunal Pandya-led side will play their next match against Tripura on Friday at the same venue, while Tamil Nadu will take on Gujarat on the same day.