In the 16th match of IPL 2025 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Mumbai Indians' skipper Hardik Pandya supported the choice to retire Tilak Varma during their 12-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants. This tactical call was made when Mumbai required 24 runs from just seven deliveries, with Varma having scored an unimpressive 25 runs off 23 balls.
After Naman Dhir was dismissed for his quickfire knock of 46 runs from just 24 deliveries in the ninth over, Tilak Varma entered the fray. Due to his relatively slower scoring rate of 108.70, the team decided to take Varma off the field through retirement and introduced Mitchell Santner into the game instead.
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When asked about the choice during the post-match interview, Pandya gave a straightforward clarification.
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"What I'm saying is, it was clear. We required some good scores, and I believe he wasn’t delivering, just like you mentioned. In cricket, there are times when you're eager to perform well, yet things don't go your way. The choice speaks for itself regarding our action," Pandya stated.
The Mumbai Indians kept their pursuit of 204 alive largely due to Suryakumar Yadav’s contribution of 67 runs from just 43 deliveries. In the last over, needing 22 more runs, Hardik Pandya smashed a six on the very first delivery, yet Avesh Khan's accurate bowling ensured victory for the Lucknow Super Giants.
Previously, LSG scored 203/8 off their 20 overs following Mumbai Indians winning the coin toss and deciding to field first. Their innings included contributions of over fifty runs each from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.
Pandya admitted that his team's fielding errors led to vital extra runs.
To be completely truthful with ourselves, perhaps out there on the pitch, those 10, 12, or even 13-run margins felt like we left too much on this particular wicket.
Pandya put up a remarkable bowling display, taking five wickets which included dismissing Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, and Akash Deep. This achievement marked the first instance in IPL history where a team captain secured a five-wicket haul.
Discussing his bowling technique, Pandya revealed his method.
Pandya mentioned, 'I’ve always found joy in bowling. I don’t believe I have numerous choices. However, I will consistently strive to ensure that I read the pitch effectively and opt for more strategic approaches.'
He went into more detail about his approach to bowling.
I'll consistently maintain an aggressive mindset. The focus is always on bowling more dot balls, exerting pressure, and prompting batsmen to err. I truly enjoy my bowling, and today exemplified this approach perfectly.
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