A dramatic moment involving Hardik Pandya and former India spinner-turned-commentator Murali Kartik has gone viral on social media ahead of the second T20I between India and New Zealand at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Friday.

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The video, reportedly recorded by a fan inside the stadium, shows Hardik Pandya walking onto the ground in his practice gear, holding a bat and gloves. As he enters, he briefly bumps into Murali Kartik. The two initially exchange a handshake and greet others nearby, but the interaction soon takes an unexpected turn.

Moments later, Hardik is seen visibly agitated, engaging Kartik in a heated discussion. While the exact reason behind the confrontation remains unclear, Hardik appears to confront Kartik directly, with the former spinner attempting to explain and calm him down. The video cuts off while the conversation is still ongoing, leaving fans guessing about what sparked the exchange.

As Hardik stepped onto the field, the crowd erupted in cheers. Fans could be heard shouting enthusiastically, with one voice clearly saying, “Hardik aa gaya, woohoo,” as the all-rounder soaked in the support.

Social media users were quick to react, turning the tense moment into meme material. Some jokingly suggested that Hardik was unhappy with Kartik’s commentary, while others poked fun at Kartik’s on-air slips. One user quipped, “Lagta hai Hardik ko bhi Murali Kartik ki commentary pasand nahi,” while another joked, “Hardik Pandya when Murali Kartik calls him Hardik Pandey.”

Several users also trolled Kartik over his past verbal errors, with one comment reading, “Habitual fumbler” Murali Kartik said Raichur instead of Raipur.”