Heated moments are not uncommon in the fast-paced world of the IPL, where adrenaline runs high and emotions often spill over. While Cricket is traditionally hailed as a gentleman’s game, known for its sportsmanship and grace, the modern version, especially in tournaments like the Indian Premier League, has seen a fair share of fiery confrontations. Despite the spirit of the game remaining intact, players occasionally engage in sledging, intense face-offs, and on-field arguments that spark massive reactions from fans and media alike.
The IPL, one of the most celebrated and lucrative Twenty20 leagues globally, is not just about big hits and match-winning performances—it also brings drama, passion, and yes, heated exchanges. In this blog, we revisit 5 of the most heated moments in IPL history that truly left fans stunned.
1. Virat Kohli vs Naveen-ul-Haq & Gautam Gambhir
Fans’ excitement for RCB vs. LSG grew after Gautam Gambhir quieted the Bangalore crowd during RCB’s match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match 15 of the 2023 Indian Premier League. In match 43 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, the two teams faced off, with the Challengers winning by a margin of 18 runs. During the post-match handshake, Kohli and LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq got into a verbal altercation. Gautam Gambhir, the coach of LSG, hurried to the scene and tried to break up the Caribbean batter and the RCB veteran when Kyle Mayers later started to get involved in a heated argument with Kohli. Following this, the IPL’s governing body fined Kohli and Gambhir 100% of their match fees, while Naveen was fined 50% of his match fee.
2. Harbhajan Singh vs Sreesanth
It took place in 2008 during the inaugural season of the IPL. The Mumbai Indians and the Kings XI Punjab played their 11th match of the season at the Mohali Cricket Stadium. The match was never in the Mumbai Indians’ favour; they lost by 66 runs after giving in to the pressure of a huge run chase. Harbhajan Singh was made fun of by Punjab bowler Sreesanth as the Mumbai Indians lost the match. After suffering a devastating defeat, Harbhajan Singh was already heated up. Sreesanth irritated Harbhajan so much that he smacked him. Following this, Harbhajan Singh was suspended for the rest of the season.
3. Mitchell Starc vs Kieron Pollard
It happened during the seventh IPL season in 2014. The 27th match of the year between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bangalore took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and chose to bowl first. After a brief, heated argument, Pollard ordered Stars to turn around and bowl. Mitchell Starc surged in, and Pollard backed off. Nevertheless, Starc continued to bowl, endangering Pollard. The bat was then thrown towards Mitchell Starc by an enraged Pollard. The player’s tremendous degree of mobility made it a pivotal moment in the game.
4. Ambati Rayudu vs Harbhajan Singh
It happened in 2016 during the IPL’s ninth season. The Rising Pune Supergiants and the Mumbai Indians played their 29th game of the season in Pune’s MCA Stadium. At one point, the Rising Pune Supergiants were comfortably ahead at 96/2 after 10.2 overs. Harbhajan Singh was bowling to Saurabh Tiwary. The ball was being fielded by Ambati Rayudu in the deep mid-wicket zone. The ball had gone over the boundary ropes when Ambati Rayudu fumbled it. The subpar performance of Ambati Rayudu created a heated situation with Harbhajan Singh. He said some nasty things. Ambati Rayudu became irate at his teammate as well. Then, Harbhajan Singh made an effort to make amends by apologising.
5. Kieron Pollard argues with umpires
It happened in 2019 during the 12th season of the Indian Premier League. The Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians played their 16th game of the season at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Mumbai Indians scored 209 runs. RCB had a poor start to the run chase. Kieron Pollard tried to imagine himself in Chris Gayle’s position as he struggled to find his rhythm. The umpire, meanwhile, cautioned Kieron Pollard not to disturb the hitter. Pollard was angry. After a few overs, the umpire taped his mouth, sending an oblique message. The umpire was correct in telling Pollard not to repeat the incident.
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