IPL 2025: A bold and controversial decision to retire out Tilak Varma during the penultimate over raised eyebrows, especially from former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh.
The match had reached an electrifying climax as Mumbai narrowed the target to 29 runs from just 12 balls. Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant turned to the franchise’s most experienced quick, Shardul Thakur, for the crucial penultimate over. With Tilak and Hardik Pandya holding the striker and non-striker’s ends, fans expected nothing short of high-class stroke play. However, the situation took a dramatic turn.
The Decision to Retire Tilak Varma
Despite Tilak’s earlier struggles to find the boundary, the decision to retire him for Mitchell Santner puzzled many. Even though Mumbai was still in the hunt, the unexpected move left fans and analysts questioning the rationale. Tilak had been facing a tough time making an impact, but he was still considered a powerful hitter, capable of turning the game around.
MI’s decision did not alter the course of the game. Even after Santner replaced Tilak, Mumbai ended up losing by 12 runs, marking their third defeat of IPL 2025.
Reactions from Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh was particularly vocal in his criticism. He took to social media, calling the decision a “mistake.” He questioned if Santner was a better hitter than Tilak, adding, “If it was for Pollard or some other accomplished hitter, I would have understood. But not like this.”
Irfan Pathan also expressed confusion over the decision, tweeting, “Tilak Verma retired out, and Santner coming in? Doesn’t make sense to me. What do you guys think?”
MI’s Head Coach and Hardik Pandya Respond
In the post-match conference, MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene defended the decision, explaining that Santner was brought in tactically to address the escalating required run rate. He mentioned that they needed someone fresh to take on the challenge in the high-pressure final moments of the game.
MI captain Hardik Pandya also weighed in, justifying the decision as “obvious.” He noted, “We needed some hits. In cricket, some days you try but it just doesn’t come off.”
What This Means for Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 Campaign
The controversial decision to retire Tilak Varma is a reflection of the high-pressure, split-second decisions that often define IPL matches. While the move didn’t work out this time, it raises important questions about the tactical flexibility of teams in high-pressure situations.
As Mumbai looks to bounce back from this defeat, they’ll need to re-evaluate their strategies and ensure such decisions align with their overall game plan. With IPL 2025 still in its early stages, there’s plenty of time for the five-time champions to regroup and sharpen their tactics.
