Hardik concedes MI bowlers struggled with nowhere to hide on a difficult surface

Hardik Pandya Calls Tilak Varma Retirement a Tactical Call Influenced by Injury

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya shed light on the controversial decision to retire Tilak Varma out during their previous clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), stating it was a tactical move, though an injury also played a part. His clarification came after MI suffered their fourth loss in five games, falling to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 12 runs.

Tilak, who was subbed out with MI needing 24 off seven balls against LSG, showcased his value with a blistering 56 off 29 deliveries on Monday. His 89-run partnership off just 34 balls with Hardik (42 off 15) nearly pulled off a dramatic chase before RCB fought back, aided by Krunal Pandya’s career-best IPL figures of 4 for 45.

“Tilak was fantastic,” Hardik said at the post-match presentation. “A lot has been said about the last game, but not many knew he’d taken a nasty hit in the nets the day before. It was a tactical decision, but the injury played a role. The coach felt a fresh batter might be a better choice. But today, Tilak showed how good he is.”

Naman Dhir’s Role Explained

Hardik also addressed the decision to shift Naman Dhir down the order. Dhir had made a quickfire 46 off 24 from No. 3 in the previous game, setting the tone in a 204-run chase. Against RCB, however, he walked out at No. 7 with MI needing 34 off 14, a much more challenging scenario.

“In our team’s original structure, Naman was meant to bat lower down,” Hardik explained. “Last game, Rohit [Sharma] wasn’t available due to a knee issue, so we had to shuffle things. Naman is versatile — he can bat up or close out games. But with Ro back, we went back to our original plan.”

On the Bowlers and the Tough Pitch

Hardik was reluctant to point fingers at his bowlers, instead highlighting how unforgiving the conditions were.

“With the kind of wicket we had, the bowlers really had nowhere to hide,” he said. “It was all about execution — if someone nailed their delivery, they were okay. But if not, there wasn’t much room for error. I don’t want to be too hard on them; it was a difficult pitch.”

Jasprit Bumrah, returning from a long injury layoff, was the standout with the ball for MI, giving away just 29 runs in his four overs. Every other MI bowler went at over 10 an over.

“Having Bumrah back is a huge plus,” Hardik added. “He brings so much to any side. He came in, did his job, and it’s just really good to have him back.”

Staying Positive Despite the Losses

When asked about where the defeat leaves MI in terms of their season, Hardik kept the message upbeat and focused.

“In life, you never back down. There’s always a positive side,” he said. “The message to the team is simple — go out there, play the best cricket of your lives, and back yourselves. We’re all backing them. Now we hope the results follow.”

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