Mumbai Indians captain
Hardik Pandya
clarified the choice to step down from work
Tilak Varma
As the team faltered to a 12-run defeat against the Lucknow Super Giants in Match No. 16 of the tournament,
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL)
At the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, the southpaw Tilak Varma entered the crease during the ninth over following Naman Dhir’s dismissal for 46 runs from just 24 deliveries.
Nevertheless, the young player struggled to find their rhythm, managing only 25 runs from 23 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate of 108.70.
Reduced to needing 24 runs from just 7 deliveries, Tilak Varma had to return to the dugout as the team opted to retire him out, replacing him with Mitchell Santner instead. To clarify for those new to cricket, Hardik Pandya remained at the crease opposite when Tilak Varma departed.
During the post-match interview, when Hardik Pandya was questioned regarding this choice, the all-rounder responded sharply, stating that the decision was quite \”clear-cut.\”
\”What I\’m saying is, it was clear. We required some crucial strikes, and as you mentioned, he wasn’t delivering them. In cricket, there are times when despite wanting badly to perform, things just don’t go your way. The choice speaks for itself regarding our actions,\” stated Hardik Pandya during the post-match ceremony.
Mumbai Indians were in with a chance to chase down 204 as Suryakumar Yadav played a 67-run knock off 43 balls. However, when he was dismissed, the Hardik Pandya-led side was pegged back.
During the last over, Mumbai Indians required 22 runs for a win. Hardik Pandya scored a six with the very first delivery. Nonetheless, Avesh Khan adjusted his bowling lengths, securing Victory for the Lucknow Super Giants by 12 runs.
\’We gave up an additional 12-13 runs.\’
Against Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first. LSG then posted 203/8 in 20 overs, owing to half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.
Hardik Pandya mentioned that his team conceded an additional 12 to 13 runs in the field, which turned out to be pivotal. \”To truly assess our performance, perhaps in the outfield, those crucial 10, 12, or even 13 extra runs cost us significantly on this pitch.\”
The captain of the Mumbai Indians secured five wickets, claiming the important dismissals of Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, and Akash Deep.
\”Bowling has always been enjoyable for me. I don’t believe I have numerous alternatives. However, I will consistently strive to ensure that I read the pitch effectively and, of course, opt for more strategic choices,\” stated Hardik Pandya.
\”I\’ll consistently maintain an aggressive mindset. However, the focus should be on delivering more dot balls, exerting pressure, and prompting batsmen to err. Indeed, I\’m thoroughly enjoying my bowling, and today exemplified this approach,\” he concluded.
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