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In a rare moment of on-field tension during India’s 61-run victory over Pakistan on February 15, 2026, Hardik Pandya and Captain Suryakumar Yadav were seen reprimanding Kuldeep Yadav.
The heated exchange, captured in a now-viral video, occurred just after the final wicket was taken at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The “Drop Catch” Controversy
The tension stemmed from a specific lapse in the 18th over of Pakistan’s chase:
- The Incident: While Hardik Pandya was bowling, Shaheen Afridi pulled a short-of-a-length delivery toward cow corner. Kuldeep Yadav, positioned at the boundary, got both hands to the ball but failed to hold on.
- The Result: The ball fumbled through his grasp and cleared the rope for a six, adding to Hardik’s runs conceded and delaying the inevitable victory.
- Double Frustration: Hardik was reportedly already irate because Ishan Kishan had spilled a difficult chance behind the stumps just one ball prior.
Viral Post-Match Visuals
The drama didn’t end with the match. Cameras followed the players during the customary handshakes:
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- The Scolding: Hardik was seen gesturing emphatically and speaking in an aggressive tone toward a dejected-looking Kuldeep.
- The Captain’s Stance: Suryakumar Yadav joined in, appearing to “school” the spinner about the importance of concentration in high-stakes games.
- The Peacekeepers: Seeing the tension, Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma stepped in to diffuse the situation, with Rinku seen trying to calm Hardik down as they walked back to the dressing room.
Match Context
Despite the friction, India’s performance was clinical:
- India 175/7 (Ishan Kishan 77, Suryakumar 32)
- Pakistan 114/10 (Usman Khan 44; Hardik 2/16, Bumrah 2/17)
- Status: India has officially qualified for the Super 8s with this win.