The 16th match of IPL 2025 saw a dramatic clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI), where Mi faced a 12-run defeat. However, this loss was not usual; it sparked widespread debate after a strategic decision in the final over. The decision to retire out Tilak Varma and send in Mitchell Santner, followed by Hardik Pandya’s approach in the closing moments, has left fans and experts questioning MI’s tactics. Not just the fans, but the decision sparked opinions from cricket experts as well. India’s ex-cricket star questioned Pandya’s approach for retiring out Tilak.
What happened in the last moments of LSG vs MI?
Needing 29 runs off 12 balls, MI were looking to accelerate with Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma at the crease. However, Varma, struggling with timing and scoring just 25 off 23 balls, was retired out for Santner, known for his hitting capabilities. With Santner joining Hardik with seven balls left, Shardul Thakur bowled a restrictive penultimate over, leaving MI to chase 22 runs in the final over.
Reactions and criticism
The decision to retire-out Varma and Hardik’s reluctance to rotate the strike led to significant backlash on social media. Former players Harbhajan Singh and Vihari expressed their disbelief over the tactics. “Retiring Tilak for Santner was a mistake in my opinion. Is Santner a better hitter than Tilak?” Harbhajan questioned on X. Vihari pointed out, “Tilak Verma retired out for Santner??? Make me make sense!!! Hardik struggled vs GT never was retired out! Why Tilak then?”
Retiring Tilak for Santer was a mistake in my opinion . Is Santner a better hitter than Tilak ? If it was for Pollard or some other accomplished hitter I would have understood . But Don’t agree with this . Come on @mipaltan
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 4, 2025Tilak Verma retired out for santner???Make me make sense!!!Hardik struggled vs GT never was retired out! Why tilak then?
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) April 4, 2025The final over
Hardik started the final over with a six off the first delivery from Avesh Khan, raising hopes within the MI team. However, Hardik’s subsequent approach puzzled many as he played out two dot balls in crucial moments, ultimately reducing MI’s chances. Taking a single on the fifth ball, Hardik left Santner needing 13 runs off the last delivery, which proved impossible as Santner managed only a single.
Implications for MI
The loss marked MI’s third defeat in IPL 2025, placing them at the seventh spot in the points table with just two points from four matches. Meanwhile, LSG secured their second win of the season, taking the sixth position.
“Is Santner better than Tilak?”: Ex-Indian cricketers slams MI’s retire-out tactic in LSG defeat Inside Sport India.
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