Overview:
Hardik was not pleased with something. The reason for Hardik's reaction is still not confirmed.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was involved in a heated exchange with former cricketer and commentator Murali Kartik before the start of the second T20I against New Zealand at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on January 23.
A video recorded by a fan has gone viral on social media. Pandya walks onto the ground for batting practice. Kartik, who is a part of the broadcast team, greeted the star player. The conversation turned tense, with Pandya getting angry while Kartik tried to calm him. The reason for Hardik’s reaction is still not confirmed.
🚨 Hardik Pandya angry at Murali Kartik
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) January 23, 2026
– Hardik Pandya had an argument with Murali Kartik before the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI in Raipur. pic.twitter.com/axpjLykXfY
Coming back to the match, Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat first. India made two changes, with Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel missing out and replaced by Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Kiwis put up a good batting show and reached 208/6 in 20 overs, with captain Mitchell Santner leading the batting charts, amassing an unbeaten 47 runs off 27 balls. The southpaw hit 6 boundaries and 1 six in Raipur.
Rachin Ravindra was also impressive, amassing 44 runs off 26 deliveries, packed with 4 sixes and 2 boundaries.
For India. Kuldeep Yadav was the best bowler, dismissing two batters and conceding 35 runs from 4 overs.
The Men in Blue are leading the five-match series 1-0, having won the series opener by 48 runs.

