‘Mini rivalry’ in making? Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill share tense moments at IPL eliminator. Watch

While neither player addressed the incident publicly, the series of moments between Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill did not go unnoticed.

The IPL 2025 Eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans on Friday night witnessed not just high-octane cricket, but also sparked speculation of a brewing rivalry between India teammates Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill. The social media landscape was abuzz with clips and commentary dissecting a series of awkward moments between the two players that played out in full view of cameras.

It began at the toss at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Hardik Pandya, captain of Mumbai Indians and former Gujarat Titans skipper, extended his hand for a handshake with Gill. However, the Gujarat Titans opener appeared to look away at that moment, failing to acknowledge the gesture. The moment was captured on live broadcast and widely circulated on social media, giving rise to claims of unease between the two cricketers.

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“Is it the start of a mini rivalry? Before the toss, the two could be seen together clicking photos. Then at the toss, Hardik was ready for a handshake but then Shubman Gill looked the other side. Then after Gill’s dismissal, Pandya passed him,” the on-air commentator remarked, noting the sequence of interactions between the players.

This is exactly why Shubman Gill doesnt deserve the captaincyThe sheer audacity to ignore Hardiks gesture and not even shake hands despite Hardik making the first move.pic.twitter.com/dxwWfm2nl9

(@Abhinav_hariom) May 31, 2025

The tension did not end there. Gill, who opened the innings for Gujarat Titans in the steep 229-run chase, was trapped leg-before for just 1 run by Trent Boult in the opening spell. As Gill walked off the field, Pandya—usually known for his flamboyant celebrations—was seen celebrating the dismissal with added intensity. He also appeared to turn his face away as he walked past Gill on the pitch, a gesture that further fuelled discussions online.

Observers and fans took to social media platforms to interpret the exchanges, with many noting the visible tension and drawing parallels with past on-field rivalries in the IPL.

While neither player addressed the incident publicly, the series of moments between Pandya and Gill did not go unnoticed and added a subplot to an already high-stakes knockout fixture. With both players being integral parts of the national setup, and Pandya recently reclaiming captaincy responsibilities for MI after his trade from GT, their dynamic remains one to watch in future matches.

Though the tension between the two did not escalate beyond these isolated incidents, it was enough to dominate post-match discourse—even amid Mumbai Indians' crucial 20-run win and qualification for Qualifier 2.

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