In a bold tactical decision during Match 16 of IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya opted to retire out young batsman Tilak Varma amidst a tense chase against Lucknow Super Giants at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The move came as Mumbai Indians were chasing a target of 204, needing 24 runs off the last 7 balls, with Varma struggling at 25 runs off 23 balls.
Varma had come to the crease in the ninth over following the dismissal of Naman Dhir, who had scored a brisk 46 off 24 balls. Despite the urgency of the situation, Varma’s slow scoring rate of 108.70 led to the decision to retire him out in favor of bringing in the experienced Mitchell Santner.
Defending the decision at the post-match presentation, Pandya was candid about the strategy. “I mean, I think that was obvious. We needed some hits and I think he was not getting, as you said. In cricket, sometimes (there can come) one of those days when you really want to try, but it does not happen. The decision says itself why we did it,” Pandya explained.
Despite the strategic shift, Mumbai Indians fell short by 12 runs. The chase had been kept alive by a valiant 67 off 43 balls from Suryakumar Yadav. With 22 runs needed in the final over, Pandya started with a six off the first ball, but Avesh Khan’s tight bowling in the remaining deliveries sealed the victory for Lucknow Super Giants.
Earlier in the match, Lucknow Super Giants had posted a challenging 203/8 in their 20 overs after Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field. The innings was bolstered by half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.
Pandya also reflected on his team’s performance in the field, admitting that lapses cost them crucial runs. “If we have to be really honest to ourselves, maybe in the field, you know, I think those 10, 12 runs, 13 runs margin, I think we gave too much on this wicket,” he noted.
On a personal note, Pandya had an outstanding bowling performance, taking five wickets – a first for an IPL captain. His scalps included Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, and Akash Deep. Discussing his bowling strategy, Pandya shared, “I’ve always enjoyed my bowling. I don’t think I have many options. But I’ll always try to make sure that I read the wicket well and, you know, use some smarter options.”
He further elaborated on his aggressive bowling mindset, “I will always be aggressive from my mindset. But it is to always bowl more dot balls, create pressure and let batters make mistakes. And I think, yeah, really enjoying my bowling. And today was one of those days.”