Last Updated: May 21, 2026 03:21 PM
Mumbai Indians traveled to Eden Gardens for their crucial match against the KKR. The five-time champions desperately needed points despite being out of the playoff clash. Their bad IPL 2026 season continues with just four wins all season.
The match ended with another defeat for MI by four wickets. KKR chased down the target of 148 with 7 balls remaining. But something happened during the game that caught the match officials’ watch.
An on-field incident involving the MI captain led to penal action later. The IPL released an official notice about the Code of Conduct breach.
The Incident at Eden Gardens
The incident happened on the 4th ball of the 10th over. Mumbai Indians bowled during the 2nd innings vs KKR. Hardik walked back to his bowling run-up after delivering a ball.
While walking back, he knocked the bails off the wicket forcefully. The action showed frustration during a difficult bowling spell. Match officials immediately noted the behavior as inappropriate conduct.
Hardik Pandya penalized came as the consequence of knocking off the bails at Eden Gardens. The captain received a 10% match fee fine officially. He also got handed one demerit point under IPL regulations.
Code of Conduct Violation
Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct covers this offense. It deals with the abuse of cricket equipment or ground fixtures. Knocking off bails at Eden Gardens falls under this category as equipment abuse.
The breach is ranked as a Level 1 insult under IPL rules. Match Referee Rajiv Seth set the sanction after reviewing the incident. Hardik Pandya penalized became official when he admitted the offense directly.
He accepted the punishment without contesting it at all. The quick admission and acceptance made the process straightforward for everyone.
Pandya’s Poor Performance
Hardik Pandya bowled two overs going wicketless that match. He realized 13 runs without picking up any wickets. The frustration from poor bowling perhaps led to the bails incident.
Getting 4 to 7 demerit points leads to a one-match ban. Mumbai Indians play their final IPL 2026 game against RR next!
