Sunrisers Hyderabad (RCB) owner Kavya Maran sparked a huge debate on social media after she appeared to question Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya’s bowling action. Kavya made animated gestures during the match, with many fans claiming she accused the left-arm spinner of chucking.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday, May 22. Chasing a huge 256-run target, Bengaluru managed only 200/4 in their 20 overs. However, the Hyderabad-based team remained in third place due to their net run rate (NRR).
Kavya Maran indirectly accuses Krunal Pandya of chucking
During the 17th over of the first innings, Krunal Pandya tried a surprise variation against Nitish Kumar Reddy. Kavya Maran looked shocked after the left-arm spinner bowled a sharp bouncer over the batter’s head. The SRH owner then turned toward the people sitting beside her with a puzzled expression.
The delivery went so high that the on-field umpire called it a wide, forcing Krunal to bowl again. Despite the unusual bouncer surprising the crowd, the all-rounder dismissed Heinrich Klaasen in the same over. He finished with figures of 1/24 in his two-over spell.
Kavya Maran reaction to Krunal Pandya bowling action was priceless 😭😂
— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) May 22, 2026
She didn’t look happy with it.
That “yeh kya daal raha hai bhai?” expression was too funny 🤣 pic.twitter.com/WYPeU4Nbsj
Krunal has developed new variations to trouble aggressive batters in T20 cricket. The left-arm spinner often uses the crease smartly and bowls from behind the popping crease to confuse batters. He also mixes his regular spin with quicker deliveries and short bouncers to catch opponents off guard.
SRH Batters Go Berserk to Post Mammoth Total
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a huge total of 255/4 after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first. The top order took full advantage of the batting-friendly pitch and kept the scoring rate high throughout the innings with aggressive stroke play.
Ishan Kishan top-scored for Hyderabad with 79 runs off 46 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen also scored quick half-centuries. Klaasen made 51 runs off 24 balls before Krunal Pandya dismissed him.
The middle order added quick runs in the death overs to push the total higher. Nitish Kumar Reddy played a useful cameo in the innings. In the 17th over, Reddy hit two consecutive sixes off Krunal soon after Klaasen lost his wicket.
Big Win for Sunrisers Hyderabad, But Qualifier 1 Spot Still Out of Reach
During the tough chase, Royal Challengers Bengaluru looked focused on protecting their top position in the league standings and stopping Hyderabad from reaching Qualifier 1. The visitors batted carefully to avoid major damage to their net run rate despite the huge target and rising required run rate.
Venkatesh Iyer gave Bengaluru a quick start with 44 runs off 19 balls, while captain Rajat Patidar scored 56 off 39 deliveries. Krunal Pandya also impressed with the bat, staying unbeaten on 41 runs off 31 balls to reduce the margin of defeat.
The 55-run win secured a top-three finish for SRH in the playoffs race. RCB, Gujarat Titans (GT), and SRH have confirmed the top three spots in the points table. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remain in the race for fourth place.
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