Retiring out Tilak Varma nothing more than a 'tactical' call, says MI head coach

Such is the scrutiny surrounding Tilak Varma’s dismissal in the LSG vs MI IPL 2025 match that the MI head coach has now come up with a second explanation. Mahela Jayawardene, in yet another attempt to justify retiring out the MI batter, described it as a tactical move necessitated by the situation. Chasing a steep target against LSG, Tilak Varma was retired out in the penultimate over, with MI still needing 27 runs in the final six balls.

Mitchell Santner, not known for his power-hitting, which was the need of the hour, walked in as Varma, who was batting on 25 off 23 deliveries, made his way out. The situation grew even more bizarre when Hardik Pandya denied a single to Santner, choosing to keep the strike for the entire final over. With Santner left unable to contribute, MI’s decision to retire out Tilak Varma made little sense to fans and cricketing experts alike.

Mahela Jayawardene backs Tilak Varma amid retire out controversy ahead of MI vs RCB IPL 2025 match

Mumbai head coach Mahela Jayawardene has thrown his support behind young left-hander Tilak Varma ahead of their key IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This show of faith comes in the wake of MI’s controversial call to retire out Tilak during their recent loss to Lucknow Super Giants. In that match at Lucknow, Tilak struggled to find rhythm, managing just 25 runs from 23 balls, including two fours, before he was unexpectedly withdrawn in the penultimate over. Mitchell Santner was sent in his place, but the decision backfired as MI failed to chase down the target with captain Hardik Pandya at strike.

The unconventional tactic triggered widespread criticism online, with fans questioning the judgment of captain Hardik Pandya and coach Jayawardene. Tilak’s retirement marked only the fourth instance of such a move in IPL history. Addressing the issue once again before the RCB fixture, Jayawardene reiterated that the call was purely “tactical” and not a reflection on the batter’s ability.

"I know it's a taboo created by everyone. In the modern age, it's more tactical, and we will keep changing batting lineups to match up certain bowling line-ups. He batted very well for us in the last three games in tough situations and built important partnerships," Jayawardene told.

He emphasised that Tilak Varma remains an integral part of the squad and expressed confidence in the youngster’s potential to bounce back, especially against Rajat Patidar’s RCB. With only one win in four matches. MI is currently eighth on the points table. The five-time champions, thus would hope for a turnaround as they head back home for the MI vs RCB IPL 2025 match.

"So, it was a tactical call and nothing to do with Tilak. Tomorrow, he will walk in and win the match for us. That's who Tilak is for us and there's so much value for him in our camp," said Jayawardene.