A brief on-field exchange between Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran during the IPL 2026 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Ekana Stadium created plenty of buzz on social media. However, both cricketers later made it clear that there was absolutely no tension between them, putting all speculation to rest.
The incident took place during LSG’s innings when Pooran arrived at the crease after the dismissal of Arshin Kulkarni. Krunal, representing RCB, immediately welcomed the dangerous left-hander with a sharp short ball. After Pooran nudged the next delivery for a single, cameras captured the two players exchanging a few words near the non-striker’s end.
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For a brief moment, the interaction appeared heated, leading fans online to wonder whether emotions had spilt over in the high-pressure IPL contest. However, the situation never escalated during the game, and both players continued normally.
HEATED MOMENT BETWEEN KRUNAL PANDYA & NICHOLAS POORAN 🔥
– See Krunal reaction 🥶#LSGvsRCB #LSGvsRCB pic.twitter.com/V5jGKvRVPP
— komu 🦋💎 (@Hariomhudda8949) May 7, 2026
Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya having a friendly banter? 😳 pic.twitter.com/hyYoj2J0d7
— Deepu (@deepu_drops) May 8, 2026
The chatter intensified when another video surfaced on social media after the match. In the clip, Pooran and Krunal were seen chatting near the boundary ropes alongside LSG head coach Justin Langer. During the conversation, Pooran jokingly grabbed Krunal by the collar before both players burst into laughter, confirming the exchange was purely playful.
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Krunal later addressed the incident on Instagram with a heartwarming post featuring Pooran. He wrote, “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?”
Pooran was quick to respond in the comments section, dismissing all rumours of a fallout. “Only love here guys. One of my best mates,” he replied.
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The strong bond between the two players is well known in IPL circles. Krunal and Pooran shared the dressing room at Lucknow Super Giants during the 2023 and 2024 seasons and have built a close friendship both on and off the field.
