The IPL 2026 meeting between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced plenty of intense cricket, but much of the talk afterwards centred on brothers Hardik and Krunal Pandya, who play for opposite sides.
Tension on the field
Hardik came in to bat with MI in trouble at 74/2 and chasing a huge target. Krunal greeted him with a sharp bouncer, and later celebrated enthusiastically when Jacob Duffy got Hardik out. Observers felt there was visible tension between the pair.
After the game the two did not shake hands or have their usual chat, which attracted further attention.
Rift speculation
Talk of a possible falling-out has been around since the T20 World Cup, with fans noting that the brothers have had few public interactions, including on social media. Recent social media activity involving their family has added to the discussion about personal differences, though nothing has been confirmed.
The cricket
RCB were put in and scored 240/4, driven by Phil Salt’s 78 and a quick 53 from captain Rajat Patidar. Mumbai struggled in reply despite a late unbeaten 71 from Sherfane Rutherford and ended up short of the target. It was their third defeat in four matches this season.
