Hardik Pandya Breaks Silence on Retiring Out Tilak Varma After MI’s Loss to LSG: “He Wasn’t Getting the Hits”

After Mumbai Indians suffered a 12-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, captain Hardik Pandya explained the rare tactical move to retire out Tilak Varma during a tense chase in IPL 2025.

April 5, 2025: In a surprising but calculated move during Mumbai Indians’ narrow 12-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in Match 16 of IPL 2025, MI skipper Hardik Pandya chose to retire out Tilak Varma in the penultimate over of the run chase — a rare tactical decision that instantly became a talking point across the cricket world.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur Reflects on Bowling Under Pressure in LSG’s Win Over Mumbai Indians

Tilak, who came in at No. 4, struggled to accelerate on a challenging Ekana pitch, scoring 25 off 23 balls at a strike rate of 108.70. With 24 needed off 7 balls, the MI dugout opted to bring in Mitchell Santner, hoping for some quick boundaries.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya Reflects on 12-Run Defeat Against LSG: “We Gave Away Crucial Runs”

Hardik, who was batting at the other end, stood by the decision at the post-match presentation:

“I think that was obvious. We needed some hits and he was not getting (them), as you said. In cricket, sometimes you really want to try, but it just does not happen. The decision says itself why we did it.”

Despite a 67-run knock from Suryakumar Yadav, MI fell short chasing LSG’s 203/8, finishing on 191/6. Hardik’s own heroics with the ball — a historic five-wicket haul, his first in IPL — was not enough to secure a win.

Also Read: IPL 2025: LSG Outclass MI in Thriller as Bowlers Shine Bright in 12-Run Victory

“If we’re being honest, we conceded 12–13 runs extra in the field. That proved to be the difference.”

Hardik’s spell included the key scalps of Markram, Pooran, Pant, Miller, and Akash Deep, cementing his role as a bowler who’s growing in stature. Reflecting on his bowling, he added:

“I’ve always enjoyed my bowling… I’ll always try to make sure that I read the wicket well and use smarter options. Today was one of those days.”

While the decision to retire out Tilak stirred debate among fans, many praised MI’s boldness in embracing innovative tactics under pressure. With three losses in four games, Mumbai now faces a crucial stretch in the tournament — and the management’s calls will continue to be under the microscope.

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Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Mumbai Indians, IPL 2025, LSG vs MI, tactical retire out, MI batting collapse, Suryakumar Yadav, Avesh Khan, cricket news, Mitchell Santner, Pandya five-wicket haul, IPL captaincy decisions