New Chandigarh, India – May 31, 2025: Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill has definitively put an end to rampant speculation regarding a rift with Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, taking to Instagram to dismiss the rumors that had been swirling since their IPL 2025 Eliminator clash on Friday.
The cricket world and social media were abuzz after a viral video from the toss of the high-stakes encounter, where many interpreted an apparent awkward exchange between the two players as a sign of underlying tension. The clip showed Hardik Pandya extending his hand for a handshake, with Gill seemingly walking past him without acknowledgement. Further fuel was added to the fire when Pandya celebrated Gill’s early dismissal in an animated fashion during the match.
However, Gill, known for his calm demeanor, addressed the speculation head-on. On the evening of May 31st, he posted two smiling photos of himself alongside Hardik Pandya on his official Instagram story. The accompanying caption left no room for doubt: “Nothing but love. (Don’t believe everything you see on the internet) @hardikpandya93.”
Hardik Pandya was quick to reciprocate, sharing Gill’s story with a three-word response of his own: “Always, Shubhu baby.” This exchange has effectively shut down the intense social media chatter and reassured fans that the camaraderie between the two Indian stars remains intact.
The rumors had gained traction largely due to Pandya’s high-profile move from Gujarat Titans back to Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024 season, which saw Gill taking over the captaincy of the Titans. Their on-field encounter in the Eliminator, where Mumbai Indians emerged victorious by 20 runs, only intensified the scrutiny.
While the off-field drama captured headlines, the match itself was a high-scoring affair. Mumbai Indians posted a formidable 228/5, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge with an explosive 81 off 50 balls. Gujarat Titans, despite a valiant 80 off 49 balls from Sai Sudharsan, fell short in their chase, managing 208/6.
With this win, Mumbai Indians advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face Punjab Kings on June 1st in Ahmedabad, aiming for a spot in the IPL 2025 Final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3rd. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2025 campaign concluded with the Eliminator loss.
