Hardik Pandya forcing Tilak Varma to retire mid-game doesn’t sit well with many ex-cricketers

Hardik Pandya faced criticism after MI's unusual decision to retire Tilak Varma mid-game in their unsuccessful chase of 204 runs against LSG.

Hardik Pandya forcing Tilak Varma to retire mid-game doesn’t sit well with many ex-cricketers

Hardik Pandya was criticized for his decision to force Tilak Varma to retire himself, during MI's unsuccessful chase vs. LSG. (via X)

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya made headlines for all the wrong reasons, after the team’s unusual decision to retire Tilak Varma mid-game did not fare well. MI failed to chase down the target of 204 runs against Lucknow Super Giants, at the Ekana Stadium. 

MI suffered their third defeat of the 2025 IPL season, to LSG, failing to chase down a stiff target of 204 runs. Batting first, the Lucknow got off to a blistering start, thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s 31-ball 60. He was supported at the other end by Aiden Markram, who registered his first half-century of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, David Miller and Ayush Badoni scored crucial knocks, to take LSG past the 200-run mark.

Chasing the target, MI fell short by 12 runs, despite brilliant batting displays from Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir. The visitors were already missing out on the services of Rohit Sharma, due to a knee injury. Despite losing early wickets, Yadav and Dhir catapulted in the middle-overs, scoring 67 and 46, respectively. However, the 34-year-old’s dismissal in the 17th over changed the course of the match. 

With Mumbai needing 24 runs off the last seven balls, skipper Hardik Pandya’s uncanny decision left many in disarray. He made seasoned batter Tilak Varma, who had scored 25 runs off 23 balls, to retire out mid-game. Varma was replaced by bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner. The decision in fact did not pay off as MI lost by 12 runs, thanks to good death bowling by Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur. 

Ex-Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif voiced their disapproval of Mumbai’s decision. Singh stated that they did not see the logic behind retiring Tilak Varma in favor of Santner, who is not exactly the biggest six-hitter. Former SRH all-rounder Hanuma Vihari, even referenced an old IPL match, when Pandya himself wasn’t taken off, despite struggling to chase, for Gujarat Titans.

Hardik Pandya’s error moreover, adds up to the criticism that he has faced, ever since his appointment as MI captain, last season. Rohit Sharma, who successfully led the franchise for more than a decade, was unceremoniously removed as captain, with Pandya being given the leadership role. The decision did face severe backlash, with fans expressing their discontent, both on and off the field.

The 31-year-old all-rounder, despite the team’s disappointing loss, registered his career-best T20 bowling figures of 5/36, in his four-over spell. He also scored a consolation knock of 28 runs off 16 balls, hitting two fours and a six.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene opens up on his decision to retire Tilak Varma out

Tilak Varma retired out after he struggled to find form in his 25-run knock, off 23 balls, in a match between MI and LSG. The 22-year-old, who played as an impact substitute for Mumbai Indians, failed to make an impression, and he was controversially taken off the pitch in the 19th over. 

Mahela Jayawardene on Tilak Varma retire hurt
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene termed his decision to take Tilak Varma off the pitch as a ‘tactical’ one. (via ANI)

Needing 24 off the last 7 balls, Mumbai Indians trusted Mitchell Santner to take the team over the line. However, Santner and skipper Hardik Pandya failed to do so, as MI lost the match by 12 runs. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene later opened up about the surprising decision, conceding that it was his call. The Sri Lankan added that it was purely a ‘tactical’ decision, as he had waited for Tilak Varma to find his rhythm.

These things happen in cricket. It was a tactical decision… I just felt that at the end that I needed someone fresh to go as he was struggling.

Mahela Jayawardene on Tilak Varma (H/T The Hindu)

The decision leaves Mumbai Indians with just two points from four games this season. Following their recent setback, the five-time IPL winners will be hoping to bounce back when they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 7 April.