Hardik Pandya Penalized For His Rude Actions During MI’s Loss to KKR

Hardik Pandya reacted sarcastically by clapping after Deepak Chahar and Robin Minz squandered the catching opportunity during MI vs. KKR clash.

Hardik Pandya Penalized For His Rude Actions During MI’s Loss to KKR

Hardik Pandya has been penalized for his behavior during MI's defeat to KKR. (via India Today)

In Short
  • Hardik Pandya has been fined 10% of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching IPL's Code of Conduct.
  • Mumbai Indians have been eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoffs, winning only 4 out of 13 matches.
  • Pandya's future as MI captain is uncertain amid discussions of a potential squad overhaul before IPL 2027.

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has drawn the ire of IPL authorities following the team’s recent defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. He received a substantial, dual penalty for his rude conduct, which involved aggressively dislodging the bails.

IPL 2026 has not gone the Mumbai Indians’ way. Plagued by captaincy issues, key injuries, and inconsistent individual performances, MI was the second team to be officially eliminated from the playoffs race this summer. The five-time IPL-winning franchise has only won 4 matches out of the 13 played, while losing 9. Once again, MI suffered a dismal four-wicket defeat to KKR, where they saw their 148-run target chased down in 18.5 overs. 

Mumbai could only post a first-innings total of 147/8, with Corbin Bosch’s 32 off 18 balls being the only notable contribution, as the Kolkata pacers ripped through their batting order. KKR’s chase started poorly, as opener Finn Allen was dismissed in the first over. Nonetheless, a crucial 64-run partnership between Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell secured the victory for the hosts, with Pandey earning the POTM award for his vital 45 off 33.

MI skipper Hardik Pandya had a frustrating, wicket-less two-over spell, especially after he saw a crucial opportunity to dismiss Powell in the 10th over getting wasted when Deepak Chahar and Robin Minz stood staring as the ball landed between them.

Frustrated, he knocked the bails off the stumps with his hand while walking back to his bowling run-up. Match referee Rajiv Seth took notice and penalized the 32-year-old for ‘abusing cricket equipment’ and violating Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct.

Pandya admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction imposed upon him, which involved a 10% fine on his match fee and the addition of one demerit point. It comes at a time when the all-rounder is at the center of a debate over whether MI should remove him from captaincy at the end of the season. In fact, Pandya only returned to the squad last night, after missing three matches due to an injury setback. 

So far, Hardik Pandya has only scored 172 runs in nine matches for MI, at a poor average of 21.50 and a strike rate of just 128.36. His bowling numbers have also been underwhelming, with four wickets at an average of 64.75 and an economy of 11.43. 

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Hardik Pandya to Deepak Chahar: Players who could be released by MI before IPL 2027 

At the end of a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, the Mumbai Indians are set to undergo a major squad overhaul. One of the biggest names who could make his way out is skipper Hardik Pandya, who is already said to have been at odds with the team management. 

MI releases Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav
MI could release Hardik Pandya, Deepak Chahar, Suryakumar Yadav and Trent Boult ahead of IPL 2027. (via NDTV Sports)

Publicly, MI defended Pandya’s captaincy, with head coach Mahela Jayawardene labeling the team’s inability to make it to the playoffs as ‘collective failure’. However, fans and cricket analysts are skeptical about the all-rounder’s long-term future in Mumbai. A viral video even showed the 32-year-old having a lengthy chat with Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan, sparking rumors of a potential trade deal. 

Apart from Hardik Pandya, four other players might be shown the door, including Suryakumar Yadav. The 35-year-old has only scored 210 runs this season, at an average of just 17.5. Deepak Chahar could also be released next summer, with the pacer having only picked up 7 wickets this season. Even someone like Trent Boult, who was once revered as one of the finest bowlers of the era, might be released. 

Sherfane Rutherford and Robin Minz could also be released by MI, given their inability to live up to expectations. The players, whose future at the Mumbai Indians remains secure, are Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Naman Dhir.

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