IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya Reveals Reason for Dropping Tilak Varma in LSG vs MI Match

In their 12-run defeat against the Lucknow Super Giants in Match 16 of the IPL 2025 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Mumbai Indians\’ skipper Hardik Pandya supported the choice to retire Tilak Varma. This tactical decision was made when Mumbai required 24 runs from just seven deliveries, and Varma had managed only 25 runs off 23 balls.

After Naman Dhir was dismissed having scored 46 runs from 24 deliveries in the ninth over, Tilak Varma entered the game. Due to his relatively slower scoring rate of 108.70, the team decided to retirement him out and introduced Mitchell Santner into the match.

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When questioned about the decision at the post-match presentation, Pandya provided a clear explanation.

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\”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 said.

The Mumbai Indians kept their pursuit of 204 alive largely due to Suryakumar Yadav’s 67 runs from just 43 deliveries. In the last over, needing 22 more, Hardik Pandya smashed a six on the first delivery, yet Avesh Khan’s accurate bowling ensured Victory went to the Lucknow Super Giants.

Previously, LSG scored 203/8 in their 20-over stint following Mumbai Indians\’ decision to field first after winning the coin toss. Their innings included contributions of over fifty runs each from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.

Pandya admitted that his team\’s fielding errors led to vital extra runs being scored against them.

To be completely frank with ourselves, perhaps out on the pitch, those 10, 12 runs, or even 13-run lead felt like we conceded too much on this particular wicket.

Pandya delivered impressively with his bowling, taking five wickets which included dismissing Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, and Akash Deep. This marked the first instance in IPL history where a team captain achieved a five-wicket haul.

Speaking about his bowling strategy, Pandya shared his approach.

Pandya mentioned, \’I’ve always found joy in bowling. I doubt I have numerous choices. Nonetheless, I will consistently strive to ensure that I read the pitch effectively and opt for more strategic approaches.\’

He went on to explain his approach to bowling.

I\’ll remain fiercely determined in my approach. However, the focus should be on bowling more dot balls, exerting pressure, and inducing errors from the batsmen. Indeed, I\’m thoroughly enjoying my bowling. Today exemplified this perfectly.