Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya is in new trouble after his team’s crushing defeat by four wickets. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their recent IPL 2026 encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (May 20).
This was Hardik’s comeback match after missing four matches in the ongoing IPL 2026 due to a back problem. But the Indian all-rounder made things a mess as he was heavily punished for violating the IPL code of conduct during KKR’s run chase. Eden Gardens.
Hardik Pandya punished after anger outburst in KKR vs MI IPL 2026 clash
The incident came to light on the fourth ball of the 10th over in the second innings, when Hardik, going back to start the run-up, broke the stumps’ bails in anger. His actions prompted the match officials to take disciplinary action against the Mumbai Indians captain.
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The IPL Governing Council confirmed that Hardik breached Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct, for which he was fined 10% of his match fee. Along with the fine, Hardik has also received one demerit point on his disciplinary record.
Hardik Pandya has accepted the punishment imposed by the match referee
The IPL said in a media release: “Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has been fined 10% of his match fee and also accumulated one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 65 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.
hardik pandya A violation of Article 2.2 of the IPL’s code of conduct was found, which deals with “misuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match”. Hardik Pandya admitted the offense and accepted the penalty imposed by match referee Rajeev Seth.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians has turned into a huge disappointment. Things have turned sour for the five-time champions since Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy ahead of IPL 2024. MI finished at the bottom in 2024, reached the playoffs in 2025 and now in IPL 2026, they are again struggling at the bottom of the points table.
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Mumbai Indians should move on from Hardik Pandya: Michael Vaughan
Former England captain michael vaughn He believes that Mumbai Indians should move on from Hardik before the next auction. He also suggested a shocking trade idea involving Cameron Green, stating that Kolkata Knight Riders could become a new home for Hardik, as they also need a captain in the future.
Vaughan believes that a new environment can help Hardik resume his IPL captaincy journey after a tough stint with Mumbai Indians. “Release. Replace him with Cameron Green. I think there are too many chefs in the Mumbai kitchen, so I will remove one chef,” the Englishman said on Cricbuzz.
He said, “If he wants to move forward as captain, it would be better for him to be with new captains. Maybe KKR. Maybe they are also looking for a captain. That’s why Cameron comes to Mumbai; someone else will captain Mumbai. Hardik goes to KKR, it’s a fresh start for him as captain.”
