Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has landed in fresh trouble after his team’s crushing four-wicket loss to (KKR) in their recent IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday (May 20).
It was Hardik’s comeback match after missing four games because of a back issue in the ongoing IPL 2026. But the Indian all-rounder ended up messing up things as he was handed a heavy punishment for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during KKR’s run chase at .
Hardik Pandya punished after an angry outburst in KKR vs MI IPL 2026 clash
The incident unfolded on the fourth ball of the 10th over in the second innings when Hardik, while walking back to begin his run-up, angrily smashed the bails off the stumps with force. His act prompted the match officials to take disciplinary action against the Mumbai Indians captain.
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 fees. Along with the fine, Hardik has also received one demerit point on his disciplinary record.
Hardik Pandya accepts the sanction imposed by Match Referee
The IPL stated in a media release: “Hardik Pandya, Captain, Mumbai Indians (MI), has been fined 10% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 65 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.
was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match.” Hardik Pandya admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by Match Referee – Rajiv Seth.”
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians has turned into a massive disappointment. Since taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma before IPL 2024, things have gone badly for the five-time champions. MI finished at the bottom in 2024, made it to the playoffs in 2025, and now in IPL 2026, they are again struggling near the bottom of the points table.
Mumbai Indians should move on from Hardik Pandya: Michael Vaughan
Former England captain feels Mumbai Indians should move on from Hardik before the next auction. He also suggested a shocking trade idea involving Cameron Green, saying 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 could help Hardik restart his IPL captaincy journey after a difficult phase with Mumbai Indians. The Englishman said on Cricbuzz, “Release. Replace him with Cameron Green. I feel Mumbai has got too many chefs in the kitchen, so I’d take one chef out.”
He added, “If he wants to carry on as captain, then he’d better be with a fresh set of captains. Maybe KKR. Maybe they’re going to look for a captain as well. That’s why Cameron comes to Mumbai; someone else will captain Mumbai. Hardik goes to KKR, a fresh start for him as captain.”