The on-field rivalry between Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya caught attention during the recent IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The clips quickly went viral, sparking widespread speculation among fans about a possible rift between the two brothers.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 240/4 with strong knocks from Phil Salt and captain Rajat Patidar, then restricted Mumbai Indians to 222/5. Rumors of tension between Hardik and Krunal began during India’s 2026 T20 World Cup celebrations in Ahmedabad and grew stronger after the events in Wankhede.
The usual friendly bond between Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya was not visible during the match. Krunal began his spell with a strong bounce towards Hardik, who responded with a cold look without any interaction.
Hardik scored 40 off 22 balls while chasing a big target but fell while trying to attack Jacob Duffy, who has been RCB’s main wicket-taker this season. Romario Pastor made the catch to finalize the dismissal.
The wicket came at a key moment in the game and Krunal reacted with an emotional and aggressive celebration. It was the crucial breakthrough for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they defended the goal.
Bhaivalry was at its peak, emotions were running high 🔥#MIvRCB | [Mumbai Indians, Rohit, Kohli, Tilak, Rajat Patidar] pic.twitter.com/CTEtAgcNiB
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2026
Tension increased further when both brothers avoided shaking hands after the game. While they remained professional, they did not recognize each other and the moment quickly went viral, sparking speculation among fans about their relationship.
Krunal Pandya did not go to shake hands with Hardik Pandya. Is everything normal between them? #hardikpandya #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/WhxPKEwcZP
– impact player (@whypratik) April 12, 2026
Rumors about Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya Rift grow after T20 World Cup
Rumors about a family break-up first surfaced after the historic T20 World Cup victory. Krunal Pandya and his wife Pankhuri Sharma remained silent on social media and did not publicly congratulate Hardik Pandya for his performance and comeback.
The situation reportedly got complicated after Hardik and Natasa Stankovic’s divorce. Krunal was seen at events with Natasa, while Hardik was seen with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma, showing a growing rift in the family.
Hardik also did not wish his brother on his recent birthday on social media. Furthermore, both the brothers were involved in a Rs 4 crore cheating case linked to their stepbrother Vaibhav Pandya earlier this year, adding more strain to their relationship.
Krunal Pandya delivers a winning performance
Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a massive total of 241. Captain Rajat Patidar scored 53 runs off 20 balls, including five boundaries and a six. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt got off to a good start. Krunal Pandya then played a key role in defending the target with disciplined bowling.
Krunal conceded just 26 runs in four overs in a high-scoring pitch. He also took the important wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, breaking Mumbai Indians’ momentum at a crucial stage and helping RCB maintain control.
Since joining the Lucknow Super Giants, Krunal has been a key player for RCB. He took 17 wickets in last season’s title-winning campaign and has already taken five wickets in four matches this season.
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