After retiring out Tilak Varma and denying a single to Mitchell Santner, MI skipper Hardik Pandya failed to close out a tense chase against Lucknow Super Giants, reacting in visible frustration as his team fell short by 12 runs.
April 5, 2025: It was a finish full of drama, confusion, and emotion as Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians crumbled under pressure against Lucknow Super Giants in Match 16 of IPL 2025. While Pandya made history earlier in the game by becoming the first IPL captain to take a five-wicket haul, it was his controversial tactical calls and final-over meltdown that grabbed all the attention post-match.
Also Read: IPL 2025: LSG Outclass MI in Thriller as Bowlers Shine Bright in 12-Run Victory
With 24 needed off 7 balls, Mumbai Indians made the surprise move of retiring out Tilak Varma — who was struggling with a 25(23) — and sent in Mitchell Santner to up the scoring rate. Yet, in a baffling turn, Pandya refused to take a single in the final over, keeping strike with 14 needed off 4 balls — essentially rendering Santner’s entry meaningless.
Hardik attempted a big shot but managed only an inside edge. On the next delivery, a low full toss from Avesh Khan resulted in just a single. Pandya, visibly furious, completed the run but then hurled his bat away in frustration, in what appeared to be a rare public display of emotion from the all-rounder.
“We needed some hits, and Tilak wasn’t getting them,” Pandya explained post-match, defending both the retirement out decision and the denied single to Santner.
“I take full ownership. We win as a team, we lose as a team. Today was one of those days,” he added, reflecting on MI’s failure to chase 204.
Despite Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant 67 off 43, the game spiraled after his dismissal. With Tilak’s sluggish knock and Santner not getting a chance to swing freely, MI’s finishing strategy was heavily scrutinized.
Adding to the post-match confusion, reports suggest the retirement call may have come from MI’s think tank, with Mahela Jayawardene reportedly having a say in the move — raising questions about whether on-field autonomy was sacrificed.
The incident leaves fans divided — was this brave modern-day strategy or overthinking at its worst?
One thing is clear: Hardik’s leadership style is under the spotlight, and with MI slipping in the table, the pressure is only mounting.
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Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Mitchell Santner, Mumbai Indians, IPL 2025, LSG vs MI, bat throw, Avesh Khan, cricket controversy, IPL drama, last over decisions, Suryakumar Yadav, match reaction