The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always thrived on drama, but the recent clash between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 12, 2026, sparked conversations that went far beyond cricket. While RCB secured a convincing 18-run victory at the Wankhede Stadium, the spotlight quickly shifted to an unexpected subplot — the apparent tension between brothers Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya.
Awkward post-match moment fuels speculation between Hardik and Krunal
The buzz began during the customary post-match handshake. As players from both sides exchanged greetings, cameras captured a surprising moment — Hardik and Krunal seemingly avoided each other altogether. There was no hug, no handshake, and not even a brief acknowledgment between the two.
For fans, this was unusual. The Pandya brothers have long been known for their strong bond, often referring to themselves as “Team Pandya.” Their visible distance during such a routine interaction immediately triggered speculation across social media platforms.
Within minutes, clips of the moment went viral, with fans dissecting every frame. Many interpreted the lack of interaction as a sign of a deeper issue, while others urged caution, suggesting it could simply be a fleeting on-field moment.
On-field exchanges add to the drama
The tension wasn’t limited to the post-match scenes. Observant fans pointed out several moments during the game that appeared unusually intense for two brothers sharing the same profession.
When Hardik walked out to bat, Krunal’s approach raised eyebrows. Instead of a light-hearted exchange, he delivered a sharp bouncer that forced Hardik into an uncomfortable shot. The delivery, though within the spirit of competition, was perceived by fans as unusually aggressive given their relationship.
Later, when Hardik was dismissed for 40, Krunal’s celebration drew further attention. He was seen celebrating energetically alongside teammate Romario Shepherd. While wicket celebrations are part of the game, fans described this one as “over-the-top,” especially considering the batter was his own brother. These moments, when pieced together, only strengthened the narrative of a possible rift.
The online reaction was swift and intense. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with theories, memes, and debates. Fans didn’t just focus on this one match but began linking it to events from the past few months. One major talking point was the silence from Krunal and his wife, Pankhuri Sharma, following Hardik’s heroics in the T20 World Cup 2026 final. For a family known for public support, the absence of congratulatory posts stood out to many followers.
Adding to the speculation are rumors surrounding Hardik’s personal life. Reports of his separation from Natasa Stankovic and his alleged new relationship with Mahieka Sharma have been widely discussed online. Some fans believe these developments may have caused a divide within the family, with Krunal and his wife reportedly maintaining close ties with Natasa.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Krunal Pandya, who’s not on talking terms with his brother anymore, delivers a bouncer to him. Hardik gives a cold stare. Drama! pic.twitter.com/5cLOFrqVlz
— Middle Stump Cricket (@MiddleCricket) April 12, 2026
why Krunal looks so happy after Hardik’s wicket? what is this family drama going on between IPL pic.twitter.com/BH5fAreDVj
— nysa (@chalkalaana) April 12, 2026
Reason for the rift between Hardik and Krunal
The rift between Krunal and Hardik started last year. It happened during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Baroda and Punjab, where both brothers were playing. Hardik scored 77 runs in that match, and Baroda won.
After the… pic.twitter.com/Vwc3dDV63U— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) April 12, 2026
📲 PANDYA BROTHERS RELATION NOT THE SAME 🤯🤯
After separating from Natasa Stankovic, it seems things aren’t the same between Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya.
Both are not on talking terms, with Krunal reportedly unhappy with the divorce decision. He believes this move wasn’t… https://t.co/eATY1pLtDa pic.twitter.com/WIB4lp2AsL
— Bemba Tavuma X 🐐 (@gaandfaadtits) April 13, 2026
Everything between Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya is not good.
Krunal celebrated Hardik’s wicket more than what he usually celebrates on taking wickets himself.
That celebration saw a cold hard stare from Hardik as he left for the pavillion. pic.twitter.com/cVv6w9dbVp
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) April 13, 2026
Something fishy between Hardik and Krunal — it looks like a real rift between the Pandya brothers.
I have been watching these two brothers for many years. They have always shared a very strong bond and deep love for each other.
From their Baroda days to the IPL, they were… pic.twitter.com/r5dy0m45y7
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) April 12, 2026
Something wrong between Krunal and Hardik?
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 12, 2026
Hardik Pandya vs Krunal Pandya 👀
The body language of these brothers was not looking good even seen poking Krunal after he bowled bouncer to Hardik 🤯https://t.co/9a9IT4c2pN
— Stubbsy (@spideypant_) April 12, 2026
Hardik vs. Krunal: More than just an IPL Rivalry? 🏏🔥
The usual smiles and hugs were missing in the recent MI vs. RCB clashes.
Instead, we saw:
Aggressive body language from Hardik while batting against his brother.
A cold celebration from Krunal after dismissing Hardik.… pic.twitter.com/jvnpTG5PaW— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 12, 2026
I have never seen Krunal Celebrating Hardik’s wicket like this before.
Something is definitely not right between them. pic.twitter.com/OWzet27nDq
— Neil🔪 (@PsychDominant) April 12, 2026
seems that Hardik and Krunal aren’t even on talking terms, zero conversation between them on the field
— soo washed (@anubhav__tweets) April 12, 2026
All is not well between Hardik & Krunal Pandya 🙃
— kavya (@kavya_8969) April 12, 2026
Tea on Hardik–Krunal saga ☕
Everyone in the family knows who cheated, Natasha meeting Hardik’s mom recently says enough.
Krunal and the family also weren’t okay with a 32-year-old Hardik constantly jumping from one relationship to another.
Things got worse when Mahieka… pic.twitter.com/KQiPavZtmI
— Wickets Hitting (@offpacedelivery) April 13, 2026
Also READ: Fans erupt as Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar shine in RCB’s dazzling win over MI in IPL 2026
The Republic News News for Everyone | News Aggregator
