IPL 2025: MI Coach Jayawardene Defends Retiring Out Tilak As “Tactical”, Praises Pandya For Record 5-Wicket Haul

April 5, 2025: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene addressed the decision to retire out Tilak Varma during their IPL 2025 clash with Lucknow Super Giants, calling it a “tactical” move. Despite a solid 25 from 23 balls, Varma’s inability to get going in the high-pressure chase led to his removal in favor of Mitchell Santner, as the asking rate escalated.

The game was a thrilling rollercoaster, with Mumbai showing flashes of brilliance but struggling under pressure. When the equation boiled down to 29 needed from 12 balls, Tilak’s struggle at the crease led to the decision, with Jayawardene believing that a fresh batter was needed to change the game’s momentum.

“Tilak batted well for us, but when we needed a fresh face to come in, I had to make the tough call,” Jayawardene explained in the post-match press conference. “It wasn’t easy, but it was a tactical decision.”

While the game ended in a 12-run loss for Mumbai, captain Hardik Pandya’s performance with the ball became the highlight of the match. Pandya achieved a remarkable 5-wicket haul, including the dismissals of key players like Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Rishabh Pant. Jayawardene praised Hardik’s experience and adaptability, noting his game-changing contribution with the ball after Mumbai’s struggles in the powerplay.

Hardik’s spell of 5/36 pulled the game back for Mumbai and gave them a chance to chase down the target, but ultimately Lucknow’s defense proved too strong.