ICC T20I all-rounder rankings: Hardik Pandya storms into top 5 after career best 71 not out vs Australia

India vs Australia: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has stormed into the top 5 rankings in T20I all-rounders list after his stunning knock against Australia.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has continued his tremendous rise since his comeback in the Indian Premier League. After his stunning knock of 71* off just 30 balls, Pandya has moved into the top-5 rankings of the T20I all-rounder list, maintaining his steady gain in stature in world cricket. Hardik took on the Australian attack in Mohali on Tuesday and steered India to a mammoth score of 208 runs from their 20 overs. Pandya hit 5 sixes and 7 boundaries in the course of his innings.

Pandya, since his return in the T20I side against South Africa has been in brilliant form, Against South Africa, Hardik combined with Dinesh Karthik to salvage the series for the Indian side and drew level in South Africa's 5-match tour to India. From there, Hardik went onto captain the Indian side in the tour of Ireland, where the young team displayed their thorough brilliance in all parts of the game. The all-rounder's success train was not limited, as he once again showed his newfound calm and confidence to steer India to a victory in the Asia Cup opener against Pakistan.

In his signature style, Hardik took on the spinner to finish the game for India.

Being considered a very important member in the Indian side for the T20 World Cup campaign, Hardik has shown all qualities to merit importance. The player himself has spoken about finding a new attitude towards his game after the birth of his child.

Pandya will hope to play well in two more matches against World Champions Australia as India complete their final preparations for the T20 World Cup.