![Hardik Pandya shouts at Kuldeep Yadav [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771176552202_HardikPandyashoutsatKuldeepYadav.jpg?type=hq)
Hardik Pandya shouts at Kuldeep Yadav [Source: X]
Even though the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash was a blockbuster and a celebration at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15, Hardik Pandya was not the happiest, even after picking up two wickets in the match.
In a recent viral video on the internet, Hardik Pandya was seen having a heated exchange with India's spinner Kuldeep Yadav over something that triggered the Indian all-rounder. For the unaware, India won the match comfortably by 61 runs after Pakistan came in to chase 175 from 20 overs.
Why Was Hardik Pandya Angry At Kuldeep Yadav?
During Pakistan's chase, the collapse began early with the top order falling quickly. However, India had a chance to close the game sooner, with Hardik Pandya arguing with Kuldeep Yadav over a dropped catch in the 18th over after Pandya dismissed Usman Tariq to seal the game for India.
In the video, he looked quite aggravated as teammates gathered to celebrate the wicket. It appeared that Hardik Pandya was visibly upset with Kuldeep Yadav, with Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma stepping in to calm the on-field tension. Kuldeep Yadav had a sad look on his face, while Hardik Pandya seemed to scold him for the mistake.
What Happened Between Hardik and Kuldeep in IND vs PAK match?
To provide context, on the second ball of the 18th over, when Hardik Pandya was bowling to Shaheen Afridi, Kuldeep Yadav dropped a straightforward catch that resulted in six runs. Pandya bowled a short-of-a-length delivery on the stumps, and Shaheen attempted a pull shot toward the leg side.
He mistimed it, and Kuldeep, positioned at cow corner, moved swiftly to his left to grab it but failed to hold on. The ball then carried over the boundary for six, adding to Pandya's runs conceded.
Although Pandya did not react immediately, he was visibly disappointed. Three deliveries later, Pandya dismissed Usman Tariq to bundle Pakistan out for 114 runs. However, the on-field tension between Pandya and Kuldeep appeared uneasy and was noticed by the cameras.
Pakistan Tumble For Chase Never Recovered
Speaking of the chase, Pakistan stumbled from the start. Sahibzada Farhan was out for a duck, while Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha also fell for single digits. Babar Azam, tasked with anchoring the innings alongside Usman Khan, was dismissed for just five runs.
Pakistan’s top order collapsed to 34 for 4 in 4.5 overs. Usman Khan tried to resist with a 34-ball 44, but it proved futile. After Axar Patel dismissed him, Pakistan’s hopes faded with no strong resistance thereafter. Shaheen Afridi remained unbeaten in the unsuccessful chase, with the required run rate climbing above 12.
Almost every Indian bowler, except Rinku Singh, took wickets, with Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy claiming two wickets each. Pandya bowled at an economy rate of 5.33 in his three overs, while Kuldeep Yadav bowled at 4.67 in his three overs and took one wicket.
Ishan Kishan Guide India's Total
For India, Ishan Kishan was the top scorer after Abhishek Sharma’s early dismissal. Kishan’s 40-ball 77 helped India reach 175 in 20 overs, with significant contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma.
Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh’s late blitz ensured India crossed the 150-run mark comfortably despite occasional hiccups. Pakistan’s bowlers, apart from Saim Ayub, failed to make a major impact on India’s batting lineup. With this win, India qualified for the Super 8 stage, while Pakistan’s future in the tournament now hangs by a thread.
