LSG vs RCB, IPL 2026: Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya involved in Heated Spat in Lucknow - Watch

Tensions boiled over during the high-stakes 50th match of IPL 2026 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Ekana Stadium, as West Indies star Nicholas Pooran and RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya engaged in a fiery verbal spat.

The incident unfolded shortly after a rain interruption in the first innings. Krunal Pandya, who had just dismissed opener Arshin Kulkarni, welcomed Pooran with back-to-back bouncers.

Pooran managed a single off the second delivery and walked down the pitch, leading to an animated face-off between the two.

Eyewitness accounts and viral clips captured sharp exchanges. Krunal reportedly taunted Pooran, a known spin basher, questioning why he took a single instead of attacking. Pooran hit back, accusing Krunal of chucking and questioning his bowling action. The banter escalated with Pooran challenging Krunal for the next over, promising to "end" his spell.

Umpires quickly intervened to de-escalate the situation, preventing further drama. The fiery moment underscored the intense rivalry and pressure in a crucial contest, with both teams battling for playoff positioning. LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, were chasing momentum after a rain-affected start, while RCB relied on Krunal's spin to control the middle overs.

Such on-field battles are common in the high-octane IPL, adding to the entertainment quotient. Fans on social media hailed the exchange as classic cricket banter, though it remained within competitive limits. Neither player faced immediate disciplinary action.

The match continued with heightened intensity as Pooran looked to make a statement with the bat against a disciplined RCB attack.

LSG pile Runs against RCB

In a rain-affected affair, LSG scored 209/3 in their 19 overs. Mitchell Marsh scored an excellent 111 off 56 runs, while captain Rishabh Pant also scored an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls. In reply, RCB lost Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell early. But Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal have steadied the ship as RCB are 60/2 after 7 overs.