Mumbai Indians endured their second consecutive defeat in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. Facing Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, the five-time champions fell short by 36 runs, leaving them winless and placed ninth in the 10-team points table.
During the match, a tense moment unfolded between Hardik Pandya and Gujarat’s R Sai Kishore. The two exchanged intense stares for nearly 10 seconds, with Pandya eventually gesturing for Kishore to move away.
However, any friction seemed short-lived, as the two shared a hug after the game was over. Later, Sai Kishore dismissed any controversy, saying that such incidents are natural in the heat of competition.
Sai Kishore on heated on-field moment
Addressing the exchange, Kishore said, “Hardik is a good friend, and these things happen on the field. Rivalries stay within the game; we never take them personally. Healthy competition makes sports exciting.”
Reflecting on his bowling performance, he added, “The pitch wasn’t offering much assistance, so I focused on a defensive approach and did my job for the team. It played better than expected.”
Sai and Pandya exchange intense stares
Wtf was that stare ?? 😭
MK stallin backed player Sai Kishore giving it back to Modi Bhakt Pandya 😭😭🤣 pic.twitter.com/oiAXIgickx
— Jitesh (@Chaotic_mind99) March 29, 2025
Pandya-Sai share a hug after match
Hardik Pandya hugging Sai Kishore after the match – A lovely moment 🤍 pic.twitter.com/uRUy20InDE
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 29, 2025
Praise for Suryakumar Yadav
Kishore also lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s innings, admitting that the batter played him skillfully. “Surya batted brilliantly, even sweeping my good-length deliveries. When a batsman executes great shots, he deserves credit. I bowled within my strengths, and Shubman Gill was constantly advising me on how to tackle him, given his experience watching Surya in Indian nets.”
Expressing his aspirations for the season, Kishore shared, “I’ve worked hard with complete honesty, studied numerous matches, and refined several aspects of my game. I hope this turns out to be a great season.”
