Tilak Varma was bravely retired by the Mumbai Indians during their IPL 2025 match against the Lucknow Super Giants yesterday night. The five-time champions chose to remove a set batter and bring in Mitchell Santner with just 24 needed from 7 balls in the chase of 204.
For a long time, Varma, who was on 25 off 23 balls, had been having trouble hitting the boundary. The team chose to retire him and bring in Santner since they really needed to increase their scoring rate. But the move didn’t work out. The Kiwi only scored two runs off of two balls, and MI ultimately behind LSG’s total by twelve runs.
Suryakumar Yadav, the standout batsman for MI and captain of India
The T20I, was seated in the dugout following his dismissal and was clearly perplexed as Tilak started to walk back. Soon after, head coach Mahela Jayawardene was shown explaining the decision to the right-hander, who seemed perplexed by it. Surya’s face conveyed his lack of conviction.
Watch the video below:
The embarrassing decision taken by mumbai indians and hardik Pandya
Even Suryakumar yadav got shocked by this shameful decision
pic.twitter.com/TKxmUSDWGD
— Ravi Sharma (@RaviSharma2845) April 5, 2025
MI captain Hardik Pandya justified the choice, saying it was “obvious” considering Tilak’s difficulty setting limits. In addition, Jayawardene supported the ruling after the game, saying that Tilak was given plenty time in the middle.
The fact that Tilak was retired was evident. A few hits were needed. Sometimes those days arrive in cricket. when you attempt it but it remains in place. Simply play excellent cricket. My preference is towards simplicity. During the news conference held after the game, Hardik advised playing better.
Many, however, including former Indian cricket players Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Irfan Pathan, thought it was illogical to send in Santner for just the last seven deliveries. Along with players like Ravi Ashwin, Atharva Taide, and Sai Sudharsan, Tilak became just the fourth batter in IPL history to be laid off.
I could understand if it had been for Pollard or another hitter with skill. Harbhajan stated, “But not like this.” When Tilak Verma retired, Santner entered the picture. I don’t think it makes sense. How do you all feel? Pathan tweeted.