While the eyes of the fans were fixed on Raipur new zealand The team’s black stripes, during the second T20I against India on January 23, 2026, have caused an uproar on social media over a viral video showing an intense, animated exchange. hardik pandya and commentators Murali Karthik. The footage, captured by a fan in the stadium, has sparked widespread debate about the nature of their conversation moments before the match started.
IND vs NZ: Animated conversation between Hardik Pandya and Murali Karthik in Raipur
India announced their presence at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium with a viral moment involving Hardik and former spinner Karthik. As Hardik walked out for the pre-match training session with his bat and gloves, Karthik welcomed him near the boundary rope.
Although initially the two shook hands for a while, the conversation soon turned into a heated argument. Hardik was seen clearly agitated, launching into an animated monologue with pointed gestures, while Karthik was seen attempting to explain his situation and calm down the all-rounder. Although the exact details of the conversation were not heard, according to fans the intensity of the exchange revealed a clear disagreement, possibly over criticism of recent comments or Kartik’s on-air slip during the series.
Here is the video:
Heated argument between Hardik Pandya and Murali Karthik? Idea? 👀 pic.twitter.com/PsKs2ia7TF
– Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) 23 January 2026
New Zealand made a strong score of 208/6 against India in Raipur T20I
While the Black Caps managed to post a strong score of 208/6, Hardik was certainly India’s most influential presence on the field, especially during the middle overs pressure that briefly halted the visitors’ momentum. Beyond his bowling figures of 1/25 in 3 overs, Hardik was a magnet for the ball in the field, notably taking three crucial catches. Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips And darryl mitchell. his wicket mark chapman There was a masterclass in changing pace in the 17th over, using a signature slower off-cutter to induce a miscue just as the left-hander was trying to accelerate.
Throughout the innings, Hardik displayed exceptional game awareness, consistently hitting a tough length which also forced a good set michel santner To reconsider your scoring options. His economy rate of 8.33 was particularly impressive given the high-scoring nature of Raipur’s surface, and his leadership in the ring provided vital support to the captain. Suryakumar Yadav. As India prepare to chase a mammoth target of 209, Pandya’s all-round impact has already set the stage for what could be a series-defining performance by the premier all-rounder.
