IPL 2026: Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran engage in friendly tussle after heated moment in LSG vs RCB clash

Published - 08 May 2026, 18:34 IST | Updated - 08 May 2026, 18:34 IST

The Lucknow Super Giants emerged victorious over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru by nine runs at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Match 50 of the 2026 Indian Premier League.

This is a fixture which has always seen intense moments between players on both teams. The most recent episode of the high-octane clash also saw a tense moment between Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran. Pooran was welcomed by Pandya with two bouncers. Pooran, running a single off the second one, engaged in a tense exchange of words with Pandya once he got to the other end.

A video emerged after the completion of the match, which saw Pooran and Pandya engaging in a friendly tussle. The pair has a history of playing together, having represented the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Pooran was seen holding Pandya by the shirt while pulling him, after which the two players shook hands.

Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya after that heated moment in the RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants match 💀🤯

After the game, Pandya also posted a picture on Instagram with Pooran, congratulating Pooran on his 100th appearance in the IPL, while also referring to the incident from the game in a playful manner.

"No lafda, only love ❤️ Congrats to my bro @nicholaspooran on completing 100 IPL games. Proud of you brother, many more to come 🤗🔥 Btw,how was the bouncer ? 😉🙈", the caption of the post read.

A post shared by Krunal Himanshu Pandya (@krunalpandya_official)

Pooran scored a 23-ball 38 as the Lucknow Super Giants scored 209/3 in their 19-over innings, shortened due to multiple rain delays. Mitchell Marsh scored his first century of the season, and captain Rishabh Pant scored a brilliant unbeaten 10-ball 32 in the end to push the Super Giants over the 200 mark.

They started their bowling innings with two early powerplay wickets, but Rajat Patidar's 93-run stand with Devdutt Padikkal pulled the defending champions back into the contest. Tim David scored a 17-ball 40, but the Super Giants bowlers held their nerve, with Digvesh Rathi defending 20 runs off the final over.