New Delhi: Hardik Pandya and R. Sai Kishore found themselves at the center of a heated exchange during the IPL 2025 clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The incident occurred during the 15th over of MIโs chase of a formidable 197-run target. Sai Kishore bowled a dot ball and followed it with an intense death stare at Pandya, who responded with expletives and charged toward the bowler. The umpires had to intervene to diffuse the tension.
GAME ๐
Hardik Pandya โ Sai Kishore โ teammates then, rivals now! ๐๐ฅ
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Despite the heated exchange, the two players, who share a good rapport off the field, reconciled during the post-match handshake. They hugged and laughed, putting the incident behind them. Sai Kishore later commented, โInside the field, it should be like that. We are good competitors, but we donโt take things personally.โ
On the cricketing front, Gujarat Titans secured their first win of the season, defeating Mumbai Indians by 36 runs. Batting first, GT posted a competitive 196/8, thanks to Sai Sudharsanโs stellar 63 off 41 balls and contributions from Shubman Gill (38) and Jos Buttler (39). MIโs bowlers, led by Hardik Pandya (2/29), managed to restrict GTโs middle and lower order, but the target proved too steep.
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In response, MI struggled to build momentum. Suryakumar Yadav (48) and Tilak Varma (39) offered resistance, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. Prasidh Krishna (2/18) and Mohammed Siraj (2/34) delivered match-winning spells for GT, dismantling MIโs chase. Sai Kishore also chipped in with the crucial wicket of Tilak Varma, finishing with figures of 1/37.
Hardik Pandya had a mixed outing, excelling with the ball but failing with the bat, scoring just 11 runs off 17 balls. His dismissal by Kagiso Rabada in the 17th over sealed MIโs fate, leaving them winless after two matches this season.
The match highlighted GTโs resilience and MIโs batting woes. While the heated exchange between Pandya and Sai Kishore grabbed headlines, the game showcased the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define the IPL.
