In a high-stakes clash already loaded with tension, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya found themselves in the middle of an awkward moment that set social media abuzz even before the first ball was bowled in the IPL 2025 Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.

At the toss, held under the lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Pandya - now leading Mumbai Indians against his former side - appeared to turn towards Gill as if to offer a handshake. Gill seemed to respond in kind, but both captains hesitated and pulled back at the same time, resulting in a visibly clumsy exchange that cameras picked up immediately.

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What followed was an awkward pause before Pandya walked straight over to commentator Ravi Shastri, skipping the customary gesture entirely. Interestingly, MI's batting coach, Kieron Pollard, walked up to Hardik Pandya right after the toss and gave him a firm handshake - almost as if to show how it was done.

Chasing a daunting 228-run target set by Mumbai, Gujarat Titans needed a strong start from their openers. But those hopes were dashed in the very first over when Trent Boult produced a lethal in-swinger that trapped Gill in front for a golden duck.

The GT skipper misjudged the line while attempting a premeditated hoick across the line, and the ball thudded into his pads. The umpire raised his finger without hesitation.

Pandya, charged up by the early breakthrough, let out a roaring celebration right in front of Gill - a send-off that didn't go unnoticed. Given their history as former teammates at Gujarat Titans, the moment carried an extra edge.

Despite a valiant 80 off 49 balls from Sai Sudharsan, Titans ultimately fell 20 runs short, finishing at 208 for six.

Rohit Sharma (81 off 50) and Jonny Bairstow (47 off 22) had earlier propelled Mumbai to 228 for five, capitalizing on GT's sloppy bowling and fielding in the knockout clash.