Shubman Gill shuts speculation suggesting rivalry with Hardik Pandya with wholesome 'nothing but love' post

Shubman Gill shuts speculation suggesting rivalry with Hardik Pandya (BCCI Photo)

Shubman Gill didn't have the best of outing he would have desired in high-stakes IPL 2025 Eliminator battle between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians played in Mullanpur on Friday. His team endured a tough 20-run defeat, thus bringing an end to their supreme campaign in the ongoing edition of the tournament. Mumbai, on the other hand, will now take on Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the winner of which will set a date with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the finals, also to be played at the same venue on Tuesday.

While the contest was gripping but what caught several eyes was the cold reception between Gill and his counterpart Hardik Pandya, with videos suggesting rivalry between the two prominent figures of Indian cricket. In fact a video going viral on social media showed an awkward moment between the two captains. In the video, Pandya offered Gill a handshake during the toss but the latter overlooked it. Pandya was then observed celebrating extra vehemently and even turning his face slightly as he passed Gill after the GT skipper was trapped in front of the wicket for 1(2).

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"Is it the start of a mini rivalry? Before the toss, the two could be seen together clicking photos. Then at the toss, Hardik was ready for a hand shake but then Shubman Gill looked at the other side. Then after Gill's dismissal, Pandya passed him," a commentator remarked on-air, which added more fuel to the speculations.

However, Gill didn't waste any time to address the matter and took to Instagram to shut all speculations discussing the same on social media. "Nothing but love (heart emoticon) Don't believe everything you see on the internet @hardikpandya93" - India's new red-ball skipper wrote on his Instagram story and shared photo of him and Pandya celebrating in the Indian team jersey.

Shubman Gill's Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/wEzRWTMb6S
Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 31, 2025

Speaking about the game, Rohit Sharma made Gujarat pay for their fielding mistakes and after being dropped twice early in the innings, the former MI captain blasted 50-ball 81. His efforts along with Jonny Bairstow's explosive 22-ball 47 and cameos from Tilak Varma and Pandya powered MI to a staggering 228/5 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan, the man in form, kept Gujarat alive in the chase but his efforts failed to guide Gujarat home. Sudharsan smashed 80 off 49 balls as Gujarat managed 208/6 in response.