Hardik Pandya has been fined 10% of his match fee for violating level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct during the Mumbai Indians’ match against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20. He has also received a demerit point.
The Mumbai Indians’ captain was found guilty of breaching Article 2.2, which pertains to the “abuse of Cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures during a Match.”
The incident occurred on the fourth ball of KKR’s run chase when Hardik knocked off the bails in frustration after conceding a boundary. Match referee Rajiv Seth imposed the penalty, which Hardik accepted.
KKR Defeats Mumbai Indians to Stay in Playoff Race
Choosing to bowl first, KKR delivered a strong bowling performance, limiting Mumbai to 147 runs in 20 overs. The fast-bowling trio of Cameron Green, Kartik Tyagi, and newcomer Saurabh Dubey played a crucial role for the Ajinkya Rahane-led team.
Green was the standout bowler with figures of 2/23, dismissing Naman Dhir and Ryan Rickelton early on, putting Mumbai under pressure. Dubey and Tyagi also each took two wickets, while Sunil Narine was economical, allowing just 13 runs in his four overs.
In response, Manish Pandey shone for KKR, scoring 45 runs off 33 balls. He hit six boundaries and effectively managed the innings, forming a vital partnership of 64 runs for the fourth wicket with Rovman Powell, who added 40 runs. Pandey was named Player of the Match.