Shreyas Iyer vs Hardik Pandya: Viral Throughout Sparks IPL 2025 Controversy – Watch

In a high-stakes conflict on the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by the charismatic Shreyas Iyer, dismantled Mumbai Indians (MI) by seven wickets of their closing league fixture of IPL 2025. The win not solely catapulted PBKS into the playoffs but additionally ensured a coveted top-two end — their first since 2014. Nevertheless, whilst followers celebrated Punjab’s resurgence and Iyer’s inspiring management, an off-field drama involving MI skipper Hardik Pandya has taken centerstage — one which has set social media abuzz and sparked hypothesis of a possible rift inside Indian cricket’s elite.

The Ignored Handshake: Hardik Pandya Sparks Rift Speculations

As is custom post-match, gamers from each side gathered for handshakes. However in a second now going viral, Hardik Pandya appeared to snub Shreyas Iyer not as soon as, however twice — first by strolling previous him with out acknowledgment, after which by avoiding eye contact even when instantly dealing with him. The incident, captured reside and broadly circulated throughout Instagram and X (previously Twitter), has cricket followers and specialists questioning whether or not tensions are brewing between the 2 high-profile captains forward of the IPL 2025 playoffs. The video reveals Pandya greeting different PBKS gamers warmly earlier than strolling proper previous Iyer, who had moments earlier sealed the sport with a six off Trent Boult. Regardless of standing inside arm’s attain, Pandya appeared visibly chilly, prompting viewers to surprise: Was this deliberate or only a misinterpret second of depth?

Toss Camaraderie vs Publish-Match Frost: What Modified?

Apparently, earlier within the day, each captains had been seen sharing a light-hearted change through the toss, indicating no indicators of pressure. This distinction between pre-match bonhomie and post-match awkwardness has additional fueled hypothesis. Whereas neither social gathering has commented formally, insiders counsel that the second might have stemmed from on-field competitiveness reasonably than any private feud. Nonetheless, Pandya’s public chilly shoulder to Iyer has added a dramatic subplot to an already fiery IPL season.

Shreyas Iyer: A Confirmed Chief in IPL 2025

If something, Iyer’s efficiency as captain this season has been nothing in need of sensational. Beneath his steering, PBKS have displayed consistency, tactical consciousness, and fearlessness — qualities that helped break their 11-year playoff drought. That is the third franchise that Iyer has led into the IPL playoffs, having earlier steered Delhi Capitals to the ultimate and received the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders. His strategic acumen and composed manner have turned PBKS into a real title contender this yr. Towards Mumbai, Iyer as soon as once more performed a captain’s knock, anchoring the chase and ending it in fashion — a six that not solely sealed victory but additionally highlighted his big-match temperament.

Social Media Reacts: “Chilly Battle Brewing in Crew India?”

Followers had been fast to leap to conclusions, with hashtags like #PandyaVsIyer, #MIvsPBKSDrama, and #RiftInTheRanks trending throughout social platforms. A number of former cricketers, nevertheless, urged warning, calling the second a heat-of-the-battle oversight.

Many customers additionally referenced Akash Ambani’s intense boundary-line dialog with Iyer through the 18th over as one other intriguing subplot in a match loaded with on- and off-field theatrics.