A notable on-field incident involving India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and veteran cricket commentator Murali Kartik has reportedly taken place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, just ahead of the IND vs NZ 2nd T20I 2026 between India and New Zealand. The exchange, captured on video and widely circulated, has drawn significant attention, with reports indicating a heated moment between the two personalities. India Become Second Team After Pakistan To Complete 100 T20Is on Home Soil, Achieves Feat During IND vs NZ 2nd T20I 2026.

Issue Between Hardik Pandya and Murali Karthik?

The incident occurred during pre-match preparations. While the exact cause and full context of the argument remain subject to further clarification, initial reports suggest a tense verbal confrontation in the middle of the ground. Such public displays of disagreement are uncommon, particularly between a prominent player and a broadcaster, leading to considerable speculation among cricket enthusiasts and media outlets.

This development comes as India prepares to face New Zealand in the second match of their five-game T20I series on January 23. The series holds importance for both teams, with India aiming to build on their performance and New Zealand looking to make a strong comeback. The unexpected altercation adds an intriguing, albeit potentially distracting, subplot to the highly anticipated fixture. India vs New Zealand Live Score Updates of 2nd T20I 2026.

While details surrounding the specific remarks exchanged are still emerging, the incident has quickly become a talking point across social media platforms and sports news channels.

Both Hardik Pandya, a key figure in the Indian squad, and Murali Kartik, a respected voice in cricket commentary, are well-known personalities in the cricketing world. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or team management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. The focus will now shift to how this incident might impact the atmosphere surrounding today's crucial match in Raipur.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2026 08:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).