Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted it was his decision to retire out Tilak Varma during their loss to Lucknow Super Giants.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene clarified that the decision to retire out Tilak Varma during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants was entirely his own. The move, made in the final stages of the game, was aimed at boosting the team’s chances in a tight run chase but failed to produce the desired result as MI lost by 12 runs at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.
With 24 runs required from the last seven balls, Jayawardene took a bold step, substituting Tilak—who had scored 25 off 23 deliveries—for Mitchell Santner, in a football-style move to bring in a fresh hitter.
Tilak had entered at No. 5 when Mumbai were 86 for 3 in the ninth over. He partnered with Suryakumar Yadav in a steady stand, but struggled to accelerate after Yadav’s dismissal in the 17th over. The lack of momentum shifted the game in LSG’s favour.
“I think Tilak batted well for us when we lost that wicket, and that partnership with Surya was crucial. He just couldn’t get going towards the end,” Jayawardene explained during the post-match press conference.
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“I waited till the last few overs, hoping that since he had spent some time there, he would get that big hit away. But he was struggling, and I felt we needed someone fresh out there.” While the decision drew criticism from fans and analysts, Jayawardene stood by his call, saying it was made in the best interest of the team.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya also supported the call and took collective responsibility for the defeat. “We win as a team. We lose as a team. Don’t want to point someone out. The ownership has to be taken by the whole batting unit,” Hardik said. “I take full ownership. It was obvious—we needed some hits. In cricket, some of those days come.”
