Lucknow Super Giants batter Nicholas Pooran and Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya shared a brief, fiery moment on the field during a tense IPL 2026 encounter at Lucknow on Thursday. The incident unfolded in the middle overs of a match where LSG needed a result to keep their playoff chances in the frame, and it quickly became one of the talking points as play continued under pressure and rain disruptions.
Key clash moment: Pooran vs Krunal
The exchange happened shortly after Pooran walked in at a crucial stage. After returning to form with a valuable knock against Mumbai Indians in the previous match, Pooran was again promoted to number three for this high-pressure phase.
Krunal played a direct role in setting up that moment. He helped bring Pooran to the crease after LSG lost opener Arshin Kulkarni earlier in the innings. The shift in momentum was immediately tested when RCB’s Krunal began his spell by targeting Pooran with a sharp 119 kmph bouncer on the very first ball of his over.
- Krunal opened with a surprise 119 kmph bouncer to Pooran.
- Pooran looked hurried by the pace and bounce and failed to make contact.
- On the next delivery, Krunal followed up with another short ball.
- Pooran managed to connect this time and took a single.
- After completing the run, Pooran walked towards Krunal and exchanged words with him.
- The brief confrontation appeared intense on camera before both players moved on.
- Krunal then returned to his bowling mark to finish the over.
There was also an added layer of intrigue: Pooran and Krunal have previously shared the dressing room at LSG before Krunal later moved to RCB.
LSG’s chase/set-up under rain: shortened to 19 overs
While the on-field tussle grabbed attention, the overall game became a run-heavy affair despite interruptions from rain. Multiple stoppages meant the contest was reduced to a 19-over-a-side format, but LSG still found rhythm and pushed the tempo through the innings.
LSG’s batting fireworks and RCB’s responses
Mitchell Marsh produced the standout performance for LSG, smashing 111 off just 56 balls. His innings was laced with nine boundaries and nine maximums, taking LSG to 209 for 3 in the shortened contest.
Marsh’s big output was supported by two crucial partnerships that shaped the innings:
- Marsh added 95 runs with Arshin Kulkarni.
- Marsh also built a 70-run stand with Nicholas Pooran.
- Pooran finished with 38 runs.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant further accelerated the innings with a brisk cameo of 32 not out from 10 balls, keeping the scoreboard moving late in the innings.
RCB bowling figures
For RCB, Krunal Pandya’s spell returned a wicket and runs conceded of 1 for 31. Josh Hazlewood also made an impact by taking a wicket, finishing with one dismissal as LSG posted a commanding total.
