In the IPL 2026 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on 12 April 2026, Krunal Pandya displayed a highly competitive and "fiery" attitude toward his brother, Hardik Pandya, during a tense sibling showdown at the Wankhede Stadium. While Krunal did not take Hardik's wicket directly, his aggressive behavior and intense celebrations became a major talking point.
Krunal was seen in an "aggressive mode" throughout his spell, even bowling a sharp bouncer to his younger brother to keep him under pressure.Fans and commentators noted that Krunal celebrated Hardik's eventual dismissal (off the bowling of Jacob Duffy) more exuberantly than any other wicket, which some interpreted as an intentional "send-off" toward his brother.
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
Something is surely going on bitween hardik pandya and krunal Pandya#MIvsRCBpic.twitter.com/iXBnNIRuyi
— ria s 🩵 (@jabraViratFan) April 12, 2026
During the MI chase, Krunal Pandya bowled tight overs against his brother. Hardik Pandya was aggressive, smashing several boundaries off other bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Suyash Sharma, including a hit where Krunal dived but failed to stop the ball. Hardik Pandya was eventually dismissed for 40 runs off 22 balls by RCB's Jacob Duffy, not Krunal. Earlier in the match, Krunal did claim a big wicket by dismissing Suryakumar Yadav, who was caught at deep fine leg. Reports highlight Krunal's "icy composure" and clinical execution under pressure in these high-stakes family duels, often contrasting with Hardik's more animated leadership style.
RCB bowlers dismantle MI batting lineup
In the IPL 2026 match at Wankhede Stadium on 12 April 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set a massive target of 241 runs and effectively controlled the game, leaving Mumbai Indians (MI) struggling at 166/5 in 17 overs as the match entered its final stages. MI faced an early setback when Rohit Sharma had to leave the field due to a suspected hamstring issue after scoring 19 runs.Krunal Pandya (RCB) bowled with intense discipline against his brother Hardik, conceding just 26 runs in his 4 overs and taking the key wicket of Suryakumar Yadav (33).
Despite a steady start by Ryan Rickelton (37) and a valiant 40 off 22 balls from Hardik Pandya, MI lost crucial wickets at regular intervals. RCB's Suyash Sharma was instrumental, taking two wickets in a single over (Rickelton and Tilak Varma) to derail the chase.
