IPL 2026: Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran involved in heated on-field exchange - Watch
TL;DR
Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya had a heated exchange during an IPL 2026 match in Lucknow. The incident occurred as LSG fought to keep their playoff hopes alive against RCB.
Key points
- Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya had an on-field exchange
- The incident occurred during an IPL 2026 match in Lucknow
- LSG needed a win to keep playoff hopes alive
- Krunal dismissed opener Arshin Kulkarni earlier in the innings
- Pooran faced a surprise bouncer from Krunal on his first delivery
Lucknow Super Giants batter Nicholas Pooran and Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya were involved in a brief on-field exchange during a tense IPL 2026 clash in Lucknow on Thursday.
The moment came during a high-pressure encounter with LSG desperately needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Pooran, who had returned to form with an important knock against Mumbai Indians in the previous game, was promoted to No. 3 once again in a crucial phase of the innings.
Krunal played a direct role in bringing the left-hander to the crease after dismissing opener Arshin Kulkarni earlier in the innings.
The RCB spinner immediately tried to unsettle Pooran with a surprise 119 kmph bouncer on the very first delivery he faced. The LSG batter appeared caught off guard by the pace and bounce and failed to make any connection.
Krunal followed it up with another short ball on the next delivery. This time, Pooran managed to get bat on it and collected a single.
However, after completing the run, Pooran walked towards Krunal and exchanged a few words with his former teammate. The interaction briefly looked heated on camera before both players quickly moved on, with Krunal returning to his bowling mark to continue the over.
Interestingly, both players share a history together at LSG, having previously played alongside each other before Krunal moved to RCB.
The match itself turned into a run-fest despite multiple rain interruptions reducing it to a 19-overs-a-side contest.
Mitchell Marsh starred for LSG with a sensational 111 off just 56 balls, smashing nine fours and nine sixes to power his side to 209 for 3.
Marsh added 95 runs with Arshin Kulkarni and another 70-run stand with Pooran, who contributed 38 runs. LSG captain Rishabh Pant also chipped in with a quick unbeaten 32 off 10 deliveries.
For RCB, Krunal finished with figures of 1 for 31, while Josh Hazlewood picked up one wicket as well.
Q&A
What happened between Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya in IPL 2026?
Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya were involved in a heated on-field exchange during a tense match as LSG aimed to secure a playoff spot.
Why was the match between LSG and RCB significant in IPL 2026?
The match was crucial for Lucknow Super Giants as they needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive in IPL 2026.
How did Krunal Pandya's bowling affect Nicholas Pooran during the match?
Krunal Pandya's first delivery to Pooran was a surprise bouncer that caught him off guard, contributing to the tense exchange between the players.
