IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya breaks silence on Tilak Varma retired out, says 'People do not know...'

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Hardik Pandya has finally addressed the much-talked-about decision to retire out Tilak Varma in Mumbai Indians' previous match, a tactical move that sparked intense speculation and criticism.

Speaking at the post-match presentation after MI's 12-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede on April 7, Pandya set the record straight - emphasising that there was more to the decision than fans or pundits understood.

"Tilak was fantastic (against RCB). Last game, a lot of things happened. People made a lot of things about it but people don't know that he had a very nasty hit the previous day. It was a tactical call but because of the finger he had, the coach just felt that that was a better option that someone fresh can come and do it. Today, he was fantastic," Hardik Pandya said, referring to Tilak's brilliant 56 off 29 balls in the steep chase of 221.

The left-hander looked a completely different player compared to the outing in Lucknow, where he laboured to 25 off 23 balls in another pressure situation. That innings ended in him becoming just the fourth player in IPL history to be retired out - a move that led to fans questioning whether the franchise had lost faith in him.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene, however, had already stood by the decision. Speaking a day before the RCB match, he clarified that the choice was purely tactical and not a reflection on Tilak's ability or value to the side.

"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," Jayawardene explained. "He batted very well for us in the last three games in tough situations and built important partnerships. That's the role with his experience that he brings to the game and I still value that."

Jayawardene also acknowledged that Tilak was simply having a rough time in that particular game against Lucknow Super Giants. With Mumbai needing quick runs and Tilak unable to find the middle of the bat, the team opted to send in Mitchell Santner, who had been finishing games effectively in recent matches.

"He was trying and couldn't get going in Lucknow. It was my decision, to throw someone else [in] to get to those two hits. Santner had done that in the last few games and was in good form," said Jayawardene, reaffirming that the call had nothing to do with Tilak's skill or mindset.

"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," he added.

On Sunday night, Tilak nearly did just that. Partnering with Hardik Pandya in a late onslaught that revived MI's hopes, he showed why the team continues to back him. And with Pandya's public endorsement, the noise around that tactical decision may finally be put to rest.