India's celebrated all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to return to international cricket for the first time since ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as India get set for the Asia Cup in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Regarded as one of the best all-rounders of white-ball cricket, Hardik's return is a huge boost for India. With Suryakumar Yadav at the helm as captain, he will play a crucial role to play, both with his bat and ball. Hardik on the Cusp of History Hardik is on the cusp of creating a massive milestone in T20 International cricket. The 31-year-old needs just six wickets to become the first Indian cricketer ever to make over 1500 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is. He has currently accumulated 1812 runs and 94 wickets in 114 matches after playing his first T20I against Australia in January 2016. If he manages to pick up those six wickets, Hardik will set himself apart in Indian cricket history. Over the years, he has been consistent in delivering match-winning performances and remains one of India’s most reliable players in crunch moments. Also Read | Rajeev Shukla reveals culprit behind boos against Hardik Pandya Hardik also briefly led India in T20Is after his leadership debut in 2022. At some point, he was even in the line of succession to take full-time charge in 2024, but the selectors opted to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain with Shubman Gill supporting him. India's Best in T20Is Batting-wise, Rohit Sharma remains the number one with 4231 runs in T20Is and is the world's highest scorer even after retiring in June 2024. Virat Kohli is second with 4188 runs off 125 matches, while Suryakumar Yadav has 2598 runs and is ranked third. Among the bowlers, Arshdeep Singh tops the table with 99 T20I wickets in 63 matches. Yuzvendra Chahal is not far behind with 96 and Hardik third on 94 wickets. The Asia Cup might very well prove to be a game-changer in Hardik's career, as he sets his sights on writing history and adding one more record to his credit.