4 January 2026| Dubai, UAE [posted at 5:23 pm]
Indian domestic cricket saw a spectacular Saturday as Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson delivered match-defining centuries in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). Hence, it highlights their importance before crucial international matches. Hardik Pandya VHT 133, and Samson’s composed 101 for Kerala lit up two high-profile fixtures and sent a strong message to the national selectors.
Hardik Pandya VHT 133: A One-Man Show for Baroda
Pandya struck a sensational 93-ball 133 against Vidarbha as one of the most disruptive innings in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Surprisingly, he came at an unusual No.7 for batting in his first match of the tournament. The India all-rounder walked in when Baroda were in deep trouble at 71 for five, later slipping to 136 for six.
After that, a stunning counter-attack comes that completely flipped the game on its head. This is because Pandya smashed 11 sixes and eight fours to showcase brute strength, timing, and supreme confidence.
Moreover, a jaw-dropping 39th over highlighted his innings, where he dismantled left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade for 34 runs. Here, he hammered five consecutive sixes followed by a four. The sequence – 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4 — sent shockwaves through the Vidarbha camp and electrified the stadium.
He missed the rare chance of six sixes in an over. Still, Pandya’s dominance was unquestionable. Remarkably, his innings included only 31 singles, which highlights his intent to attack relentlessly. Most of his sixes sailed over mid-wicket, long-on, and long-off, as they were areas that highlighted his power and bat swing.
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Maiden List A Century After 119 Matches
The knock of Pandya was significant for its brutality and its timing. The 133 was his maiden List A century that he achieved in his 119th match. Therefore, it also marked a long-awaited milestone. Baroda had reached a competitive 293 for nine by the time he was dismissed. It was a total that looked impossible when he walked in.
The extent of Pandya’s impact is evident from the scorecard. However, Vishnu Solanki’s 26 was the next highest score. It was quite literally a one-man rescue act that survived hopes of Baroda.
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A Strong Message for Team India Selectors
Currently, India is gearing up for big white-ball matches, including ODIs and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Hence, Hardik Pandya VHT 133 is a timely reminder of his value. Moreover, his fitness, rhythm, and ability to absorb pressure while maintaining explosive scoring rates will be closely monitored by selectors during the domestic window.
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Sanju Samson Anchors Kerala with Classy Century
Besides Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson also showcased composure and maturity in the successful chase against Jharkhand in Ahmedabad. Samson played the role of a calm anchor as Kerala chased a daunting 312-run target because he opened the innings with Rohan Kunnummal.
The Kerala Skipper reached his half-century in 48 balls before accelerating smoothly to bring up his century in 90 balls. Moreover, his innings of 101 off 95 deliveries included nine fours and three sixes. Therefore, he strikes a perfect balance between alertness and aggression.
Samson was dismissed shortly after reaching his hundred, as he was trapped LBW. However, his contribution had already laid the foundation for Kerala’s chase. Besides Sanju, his partner Kunnummal also took an aggressive route as he smashed 124 off 78 balls.
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Samson’s Return to List A Cricket Impresses
It is important to note that this was Sanju Samson’s first List A appearance since 2023, when he last featured for India against South Africa in Paarl. It was a match where he had also scored a century. Now, his VHT hundred supports his consistency in the format and strengthens his case as a dependable top-order option.
The article will be updated soon with more latest information.
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