In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Lucknow on Friday, Krunal Pandya etched his name into the record books for an unwanted reason. The all-rounder became only the second batter this season—after Abhinav Manohar—and the 17th overall in IPL history to be dismissed hit wicket, a rare and unfortunate mode of dismissal that left fans and players alike stunned.
The incident unfolded in the 19th over of SRH’s second innings when Pandya, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced a lethal yorker from RCB’s pace spearhead Pat Cummins. Attempting to dig out the ball, Pandya shuffled deep into his crease, only to inadvertently clip the stumps with his bat as he completed his shot. The bails fell, and with them, Pandya’s brief cameo of 8 runs off 6 balls came to an abrupt end. Visibly frustrated, the seasoned campaigner walked off shaking his head, aware of the rarity and misfortune of the moment.
This mode of dismissal, though uncommon, is not unheard of in the IPL’s storied history. The first-ever hit wicket dismissal in the tournament was recorded by Musavir Khote in the inaugural 2008 season while playing for Mumbai Indians. Since then, only a handful of players have fallen to this quirky fate, making Pandya’s dismissal a talking point among cricket enthusiasts. Historical data shows that hit wicket dismissals often occur under pressure, especially in the death overs, as batters take risks to maximize scoring—precisely the situation Pandya found himself in.
For SRH, Pandya’s exit at a crucial juncture added to their struggles in the match, as they chased a challenging total set by RCB. While Cummins and the RCB bowling unit capitalized on this stroke of luck, Pandya’s dismissal highlighted the fine margins that often define T20 cricket. A split-second error, a misjudged movement, and a batter’s innings can end in the most unexpected manner.
As IPL 2025 continues to serve up thrilling encounters, Krunal Pandya’s hit wicket will remain one of the season’s quirkier moments—a reminder that in the cauldron of high-stakes T20 cricket, even the smallest mishap can turn the tide. Will we see more such rare dismissals this season? Only time will tell, but for now, Pandya’s unlucky departure has added another chapter to the IPL’s rich tapestry of unforgettable moments.