As fans in Raipur turn their attention here New Zealand team black armbands A viral video showing an intense, animated exchange during the second T20I against India on 23 January 2026 has gone viral on social media. Hardik Pandya and commentator Murali Karthik. The footage, filmed by a fan in the stadium, has sparked widespread debate about the nature of their conversation minutes before kick-off.
IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya and Murali Karthik exchange punches in Raipur
India Shahid made his presence known at the Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium with a viral moment featuring Hardik and former spinner Karthik. Hardik was met by Karthik near the boundary rope as he took his bat and gloves for his pre-match practice.
Although the two initially shared a brief handshake, the interaction quickly turned into a heated argument. Hardik looked visibly excited as he launched into his animated monologue with pointed gestures, while Karthik seemed to be trying to explain his position and thoroughly calm down. While the exact details of the conversation have not been heard, the intensity of the exchange, according to fans, may indicate a clear disagreement over recent comments criticism or Karthik’s on-air slips during the series.
We present the video:
A heated exchange between Hardik Pandya and Murali Karthik? Your thoughts? 👀 pic.twitter.com/PsKs2ia7TF
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) January 23, 2026
Also READ: Simon Doull predicts Team India’s ‘X Factor’ for T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand post a mammoth 208/6 against India in Raipur T20I
While the Black Hats can send huge 208/6Hardik was arguably India’s most effective presence on the field, especially during the mid-wicket which briefly checked the pace of the visitors. Along with bowling figures of 1/25 at 3, Hardik was a magnet for the ball in the field and remarkably claimed three crucial catches. Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell. His door Mark Chapman On the 17th, there was a masterclass in changing pace, using a slower cutter to mislead as the left-hander looked to accelerate.
Throughout the innings, Hardik showed extraordinary game awareness, consistently hitting tough lengths that forced even a well-set game. Mitchell Santner reconsidering his scoring options. His economy rate of 8.33 was particularly impressive given the high-scoring nature of the Raipur surface, and his leadership in the ring provided vital support to the skipper. Suryakumar Yadav. As India set up for a massive chase of 209, Pandya’s all-round impact set the stage for a series-defining performance from the debutant all-rounder.
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Here’s why Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and others missed today’s 2nd T20I in Raipur
