A heart-stopping moment unfolded during the opening T20I between India and New Zealand in Nagpur when Hardik Pandya unleashed a ferocious straight drive that nearly struck the on-field umpire. The powerful shot came early in Pandya’s innings and instantly grabbed attention, not just for its timing but for the danger it posed as the ball flew back at lightning speed.
India had already built a strong platform after being asked to bat, with the top order attacking the New Zealand bowlers. When Pandya walked in, expectations were high, and he wasted no time in making his presence felt. Stepping into a full delivery, he struck the ball cleanly down the ground, showcasing his trademark power.
The umpire, stationed in the direct line of the shot, was caught completely by surprise. With barely any time to react, he instinctively ducked as the ball whizzed past him. A nearby fielder managed to get a faint touch, slightly altering the ball’s path before it raced away to the boundary.
For a brief moment, play paused as everyone checked on the umpire. Fortunately, he was unharmed and quickly regained his composure, even managing a smile as he signalled the boundary. The near-miss drew reactions from players on both sides, highlighting just how close the incident had been.
Hardik pandya and Abhishek Sharma are the only player who makes T20I format interesting for me after Kohli🥶.pic.twitter.com/bAlaPjDWDh
— 🚩 (@was_groottt18) January 21, 2026
Fans quickly latched on to the moment, flooding social media with nervous jokes and light-hearted comments. While some expressed concern for the umpire’s safety, others admired the sheer force behind Pandya’s stroke, calling it a perfect example of his aggressive batting style.
First ball, step out, and boom .💥
— ` (@wokenupkohli) January 21, 2026
Hardik Pandya 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/lYd4wx98TP
Although the incident had no lasting consequences, it added an unexpected layer of drama to the match. Pandya’s blistering drive served as a reminder of the raw power involved in modern T20 cricket and the split-second reactions required from umpires who stand just yards away from the action.