IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya explains reasoning behind retiring Tilak Varma in LSG vs MI

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya defended the decision to retire out Tilak Varma during their 12-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in Match 16 of IPL 2025 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The strategic move came when Mumbai Indians needed 24 runs from 7 balls, with Varma struggling at 25 runs off 23 balls.
Tilak Varma had joined the action in the ninth over after Naman Dhir's dismissal for 46 off 24 balls. Varma's slow scoring rate of 108.70 prompted the management to retire him out and bring in Mitchell Santner.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.

When questioned about the decision at the post-match presentation, Pandya provided a clear explanation.
Also See: CSK vs DC Live Score, IPL 2025
"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.

Mumbai Indians' chase of 204 remained competitive thanks to Suryakumar Yadav's 67 runs off 43 balls. The team needed 22 runs in the final over, with Pandya hitting a six off the first ball, but Avesh Khan's precise bowling secured the win for Lucknow Super Giants.
Earlier, LSG posted 203/8 in 20 overs after Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bowl. The innings featured half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram.
Pandya acknowledged his team's fielding lapses cost them crucial runs.

"If we have to be really honest to ourselves, maybe in the field, you know, I think those 10, 12 runs, 13 runs margin, I think we gave too much on this wicket."
Pandya himself had an impressive bowling performance, claiming five wickets including Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, David Miller, and Akash Deep. It was the first time in IPL history that a captain took a five-wicket haul.
Speaking about his bowling strategy, Pandya shared his approach.
"I've always enjoyed my bowling. I don't think I have many options. But I'll always try to make sure that I read the wicket well and, you know, use some smarter options," said Pandya.
He further elaborated on his bowling mindset.
"I will always be aggressive from my mindset. But it is to always bowl more dot balls, create pressure and let batters make mistakes. And I think, yeah, really enjoying my bowling. And today was one of those days."