Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramanian Badrinath has clarified the controversial remark he made during the IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) after the statement triggered a massive reaction on social media.
The controversy erupted during the tense encounter in Raipur when RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya was seen struggling with cramps while batting in the second innings. At the same time, MI wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton walked up to help Krunal stretch during the high-pressure chase.
Soon after the clip from the Tamil commentary feed surfaced online, several users accused Badrinath of mocking Krunal’s condition after allegedly saying Rickelton should “let him die” instead of helping an opposition player.
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Subramanian Badrinath says remark was misunderstood
As the clip continued to go viral online, Badrinath addressed the controversy through social media and explained that his statement had been taken completely out of context because of colloquial Tamil usage.
According to the former Tamil Nadu batter, he was actually appreciating Rickelton’s sportsmanship despite Mumbai Indians being involved in a crucial contest against RCB.
“Let him die there”… that’s not going to be my attitude. I will go and stretch him. Great gesture from Ryan Rickelton.. Fair Play points should be given to him and MI for that. This is what I said on air, for people who don’t understand colloquial Tamil,” Badrinath wrote on X.
The clarification quickly drew mixed reactions online, with some users supporting Badrinath’s explanation while others continued debating the phrasing used during commentary.
The incident became one of the major talking points from an already dramatic IPL 2026 clash between the two franchises.
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RCB edge MI in dramatic final-over thriller
The contest itself turned into a nail-biting thriller as RCB secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians on the final ball of the match in Raipur.
Krunal Pandya played a crucial role in RCB’s chase with a brilliant knock of 73 runs under pressure. However, after his dismissal, Bengaluru found themselves in trouble before veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar shifted momentum with a vital six late in the innings.
RCB needed two runs off the final delivery, and the pair of Rasikh Salam Dar and Bhuvneshwar successfully completed the winning run to seal a memorable victory.
Bhuvneshwar was later named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, which included a four-wicket haul along with an unbeaten cameo at the end of the chase.