The Pandya brothers are making headlines — but not just for their cricket. Here’s what Krunal really said.
The IPL has always served up drama beyond the boundary ropes, and IPL 2026 is no different. The most talked-about story right now? The apparent rift between brothers Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya — and Krunal has finally spoken up.
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🔥 What Did Krunal Pandya Actually Say?
After RCB’s thrilling victory over MI, Krunal addressed the swirling controversy head-on at the post-match press conference. His words were raw, honest, and telling:
“Me and Hardik played since our childhood together, I always support and love him ’cause he’s my younger brother. Now we’re playing for 2 different franchises. And I still support him but firstly I’ll support my team RCB, who bought me.”
Simple. Clear. And very Krunal.
🏏 What Sparked the Controversy?
The IPL 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru 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 shifted to an unexpected subplot — the apparent tension between the Pandya brothers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the on-field moments that set the internet on fire:
| Incident | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Post-match handshake | Cameras captured Hardik and Krunal seemingly avoiding each other — no hug, no handshake, not even a brief acknowledgment. |
| Bouncer drama | Being a spinner, Krunal bowled a sharp bouncer aimed at Hardik’s head, which even baffled the MI skipper. |
| Wicket celebration | Krunal was seen reacting aggressively when his brother Hardik was dismissed — a video that went viral and intensified rumours about their strained relationship. |
🤔 What’s Behind the Alleged Rift?
Rumours of a rift between Hardik and Krunal first surfaced during India’s 2026 T20 World Cup celebrations in Ahmedabad. Krunal and his wife, Pankhuri, reportedly skipped the stadium event, and Krunal didn’t post a single congratulatory message for his brother on social media.
It was also reported that MI captain’s ex-wife, Natasa Stankovic, met Krunal Pandya’s wife, Pankhuri Sharma, during a recent public outing, which sparked further speculation among fans about possible tension within the Pandya family.
For more on how Krunal has been performing in IPL 2026, check out our deep dive on how Krunal Pandya stays one step ahead in T20s for RCB.
📊 Krunal vs Hardik — IPL 2026 Stats Snapshot
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Hardik Pandya | MI | 4 | 67 | 2 |
Hardik has been a bit disappointing with the ball, featuring in three matches and taking only two wickets at an average of 47.5. With the bat, he has scored 67 runs at an average of 33.5, albeit at an impressive strike rate of 171.79.
🏆 Why Krunal’s Loyalty to RCB Makes Sense
Krunal Pandya is a highly experienced Indian all-rounder and a proven match-winner. He holds the unique distinction of being the first player in tournament history to win the Player of the Match award in two separate IPL Finals (2017 and 2025).
After a stint with the Lucknow Super Giants from 2022 to 2024, RCB secured his services for ₹5.75 crore during the 2026 mega auction. And he’s repaid that faith brilliantly — you can read the full [IPL 2025 RCB title story on Technosports].
As Krunal himself told ESPNcricinfo ahead of IPL 2026: “I feel like this is just the beginning.”
🎯 The Bottom Line
Blood is thicker than water — but in the IPL, franchise loyalty runs deep too. Krunal’s statement perfectly balances brotherly love and professional duty. He loves Hardik, but when it comes to the 22 yards? He’s wearing RCB Red.
As Krunal said at the post-match press conference, “Wankhede Stadium is close to my heart…I played for 6 years for MI…Eventually the points are coming home only; one Pandya had to win.”
Stay tuned to Technosports for the latest IPL 2026 news, match updates, and player analyses.
