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Rivalries and ego clashes have always been part of cricket’s rich drama — from iconic legends to modern-day stars, tension is nothing new when emotions run high. It now appears that Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are the latest names to join that list. A few subtle yet telling moments during the IPL 2025 Eliminator hinted that all may not be well between the two — a far cry from the camaraderie they once shared as teammates at Gujarat Titans. Both shared victories, celebrated milestones, and supported each other on and off the field. But as they say, cricket changes fast — and so do equations. Now, Hardik is back with Mumbai Indians, leading the side, while Gill remains the face of Gujarat Titans. And during the IPL 2025 Eliminator clash between GT and MI, things took a turn that left fans surprised and talking.
Shubman Gill refuses to shake hands with Hardik Pandya
When the two captains came out for the toss in this high-pressure game, everything looked normal. Smiles, nods, and the typical pre-match formalities. But right after the toss, Pandya reached out again to shake hands with Gill — a friendly gesture, perhaps trying to break the ice. What happened next raised a lot of eyebrows. Gill, instead of responding, pulled his hand back. Awkward, right? That moment hinted at something off between the two.
Pandya’s animated celebration after Gill’s dismissal
Later in the match, when Gill walked in to bat, there were high hopes. But it wasn’t his day — he got out after scoring just 1 run in 2 balls, trapped LBW by Trent Boult. As soon as the umpire raised his finger, Pandya’s celebration was loud and intense. It wasn’t just a fist pump — it looked like he had a point to prove. And that added fuel to the already growing speculation about tension between the former teammates.
Here’s the video:
Is There any Inside Rivalry Going Between Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill after Trading Hardik to MI by GT 🤔🤔🤔#RohitSharma #ViratKohli #KLRahul #IPL2025 #RCB #GTvsMI pic.twitter.com/cw6fMYWVsD
— Monish (@Monish09cric) May 30, 2025
The Eliminator clash ended with Mumbai Indians getting the better of Gujarat Titans. With this win, MI advanced further in the playoffs, while GT’s campaign came to a halt. Gill’s leadership had taken Gujarat to the playoffs this year — a big improvement from last season — but they couldn’t get past Pandya’s team when it mattered most. Now Mumbai will face Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 2 and the winner of this game will enter the final of IPL 2025.
