India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has won $100,000 after defeating YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, in a baseball home-run challenge, donating the entire prize money to charity.
Pandya, who had never played baseball before, successfully adapted to the unfamiliar sport to win the contest, which involved hitting more home runs than his opponent.
The challenge featured modified pitching speeds rather than the pace typically seen in professional baseball, giving the participants an opportunity to test their batting abilities.
Hardik Pandya featured in Mr Beast’s video today 👀🔥 https://t.co/6PbfknXdQw
— 𝐕♛ (@DelhiKaKing18) October 31, 2026
Hardik Pandya donates $100,000 prize to charity
The funds were split between ADAPT, an Indian nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, and Community Streeties India, which works to protect and care for street dogs.
His participation formed part of a wider series of sporting challenges organised by MrBeast, who brought together prominent athletes from different disciplines.
Among the international sporting personalities involved were Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and NBA superstar LeBron James.
Baseball gains visibility among Indian cricketers
Pandya’s appearance comes amid other recent efforts to introduce baseball to Indian cricket audiences.
Former India T20I Captain Suryakumar Yadav participated in the inaugural MLBx Mumbai 3-on-3 baseball event on October 24.
The event also featured Indian cricketers Shardul Thakur, Jitesh Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Kashvee Gautam and Radha Yadav.
Pandya remains away from international cricket
The 33-year-old has been absent from India’s international setup since the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
His most recent competitive appearance came for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on May 24.
Since then, Pandya has missed India’s home series against Afghanistan, tours of Ireland and England, and the home ODI series against West Indies.
He is also expected to miss India’s ongoing tour of New Zealand, extending his absence from international cricket.
