Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya once again found himself in the spotlight after being penalised for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during MI’s defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. The incident took place at Eden Gardens, where frustration appeared to boil over for the MI skipper during another disappointing outing for the five-time champions. The punishment further added to Mumbai Indians’ struggles in what has been a turbulent campaign filled with inconsistency and pressure.
Hardik Pandya penalised for code breach
The controversy unfolded during KKR’s chase when Pandya aggressively removed the bails while walking back to his bowling mark. Match officials later reviewed the act and ruled that the MI captain had violated Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which relates to the misuse or abuse of cricket equipment and ground fixtures. As a result, Pandya was fined 10 per cent of his match fees and also received one demerit point. The all-rounder accepted the sanction imposed by the match referee without challenging the decision.
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The moment quickly became one of the major talking points from the clash, especially considering the mounting frustration surrounding the Mumbai Indians’ campaign this season.
🚨BIG: ACTION ON HARDIK PANDYA 🚨
— Indian Cricket (@IPL2025Auction) May 21, 2026
🔸Hardik Pandya has been fined 10% of his match fee and accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Article 2.2 of IPL’s Code of Conduct.
🔸The incident during KKR's chase, when Pandya, walking back to his run-up, knocked the bails of the… pic.twitter.com/3df6lpWXhW
Pandya’s visible reaction reflected the pressure building within the side as losses continue to pile up in crucial matches.
Mumbai Indians’ struggles continue
The disciplinary setback came alongside another disappointing result for the Mumbai Indians, who once again failed to defend their total against KKR. The Kolkata-based franchise comfortably chased down the target with seven balls remaining, dealing another major blow to MI’s fading hopes in IPL 2026.
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Pandya later admitted that the Mumbai Indians were at least 15 to 20 runs short and acknowledged that the batting unit failed to build enough partnerships during key stages of the innings. His own form has also remained under scrutiny throughout the tournament, with critics questioning his impact as both captain and all-rounder. With inconsistency continuing to haunt the franchise, the Mumbai Indians now face increasing pressure heading into the final phase of the season.
