Mumbai Indians faced a heartbreaking 21-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 clash, failing to chase 204 despite being well-placed going into the final over. One of the most talked-about moments came when MI coach Mahela Jayawardene decided to retire out Tilak Varma in the 19th over — a set batter — and send in Mitchell Santner to join Hardik Pandya at the crease.
At the end of 19 overs, MI were 182/5 and needed 22 runs from 6 balls. Hardik Pandya was on strike, batting aggressively, while Tilak Varma — though slow earlier — had just taken a single. However, to everyone’s surprise, Tilak walked off, not injured but retired out, making way for Santner, a bowling all-rounder, to face the crucial final over.
Here’s how the last over unfolded:
Over 20 (Avesh Khan):
- 19.1: Hardik Pandya hits a stunning six over extra cover – perfect start (16 off 5 needed).
- 19.2: Hardik squeezes out a couple – 2 runs (14 off 4).
- 19.3: A full toss straight to the fielder – no run (14 off 3).
- 19.4: Another big swing, inside edge off Hardik – no run (14 off 2).
- 19.5: Just a single as Hardik toe-ends one to long-off (13 off 1).
- 19.6: Santner finally faces a ball – and fails to connect. No run.
Final Score: MI 182/5
Target: 204
Result: MI lost by 21 runs
The gamble backfired spectacularly. Santner faced only one ball and couldn’t even put bat on it, while Hardik Pandya was left with no support at the other end. Fans and experts alike questioned the call — why retire a proper batter like Tilak Varma, who had spent time at the crease, for a bowler in such a high-pressure situation?
The decision, seen as a tactical innovation, now seems like an error. With Hardik unable to give Santner any strike until the final ball, and with Santner unable to even connect once he got it, MI’s decision has sparked intense criticism across social media and cricketing circles.
In hindsight, sticking with a set batsman may have given MI a better shot. Instead, the experimental retired out move may have cost them the match.
