During the MI vs RCB match on May 18, Hardik Pandya was involved in a heated exchange with umpire Nitin Menon after a wide call was reversed. He also kicked the advertising hoarding.
Penalty: 50% of his match fee (approx $60,000) and 2 demerit points. This takes him to 5 demerit points over 24 months, triggering a one-match ban in the next BCCI event (likely the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy).
Hardik apologized on social media: “Emotions run high. I will learn.” MI captaincy has added pressure; he scored only 312 runs at SR 135 this IPL. But his bowling (15 wickets) was impressive. Expect a rested, focused Hardik in the Zimbabwe tour.