Hardik Pandya-Dinesh Karthik viral image sends social media into frenzy: 'Big fish is coming to RCB'
An image of Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik meeting at a restaurant has created a storm on social media, with fans feeling that the all-rounder is set to join RCB, but there's no confirmation on the date of the picture.
Hardik Pandya's picture with Dinesh Karthik, who is the mentor and batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has sent social media into a frenzy, sparking rumours that the all-rounder is joining the IPL 2026 champions.
The pictures going viral on social media platforms are reportedly from 1 June and were taken at a restaurant in Ahmedabad. However, Firstpost could not independently verify the photo or its date.
RCB won the IPL 2026 for a second consecutive trophy on Sunday in the same city, while Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians finished ninth with just four wins from 14 matches.
Hardik Pandya-Dinesh Karthik's image goes viral
It has been reported that Pandya, who was made MI's captain ahead of the IPL 2024 season, has now decided to leave the franchise.
More from FirstcricketPanyda replaced Rohit Sharma as captain, but his three seasons as Mumbai captain have been disastrous. In the first season, MI finished last in the league table, followed by a ninth-place finish this time around.
A source close to Pandya has told news agency PTI that Hardik Pandya has already decided to leave the Mumbai Indians. The decision was taken midway through the 2026 IPL season as he failed to earn the support of the seniors.
“There is only so much that a young man can take. The last three years haven’t been easy for him. The MI dressing room that he had left in 2021 wasn’t the same when he returned in 2024. Not every senior player was on the same page.
“If results come despite divergent views, you still won’t feel frustrated. But when everyone pulls in different directions, after a point you don’t have the mental bandwidth to carry on. So, Hardik had decided mid-season that he wouldn’t be part of MI next season,” a source told PTI.
Pandya joining RCB would be a win-win situation.
Bengaluru are on a rise, winning the last two IPL seasons and his brother Krunal is also part of the southern Indian franchise. Hardik is easily the best seam-bowling all-rounder in India, and his addition would make RCB an even more dominant force.
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