IPL 2025 [WATCH]: Suryakumar Yadav left stunned by MI’s tactical move to retire out Tilak Varma against LSG

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) dramatic defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 left many surprised – but none more than Suryakumar Yadav, who appeared visibly upset over the team’s decision to retire out Tilak Varma during a high-stakes chase. MI’s strategy raised eyebrows and divided opinions across the cricketing spectrum. But one reaction that stood out more than any other came from their senior player and India’s current T20I captain, Suryakumar.

The game-changing moment that sparked controversy

In pursuit of a steep 204-run target, Mumbai were well within reach when the game took an unexpected turn. With 29 runs needed off the final 12 deliveries, Tilak and Hardik were at the crease. The pair, however, struggled to find the boundary as Shardul Thakur expertly executed a string of yorkers and low full tosses, squeezing singles out of both batters. After a sequence of five singles, the final delivery of the 19th over arrived – and with it, a shocking decision. Instead of facing that last ball, Tilak started walking off the field. The commentators soon confirmed it: Tilak had been “retired out” and in came Mitchell Santner, a left-arm spinner with a modest career IPL strike rate of 106.

Suryakumar Yadav’s disapproval: A silent but powerful protest

The reaction from the dugout was immediate. Suryakumar, seated and observing the proceedings, looked completely stunned. His body language said it all – he was clearly not pleased with the decision. Cameras caught him expressing visible disagreement, shaking his head in disbelief, even exchanging concerned glances with support staff around him. The situation became intense enough that MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene personally walked over to Surya to provide an explanation. Though Surya did not verbally object in public, his silence and expressions conveyed more than words ever could – he was not convinced.

Here’s the video:

Sky's sad reaction for Tilak verma when they made him retired out.💔💔

It will truly dent the Confidence of Tilak Varma 🥺
pic.twitter.com/jJOy60cqAi

— Radha (@Rkc1511165) April 5, 2025

Also READ: List of players to retire out in IPL T20 ft. Tilak Varma

Mumbai Indians’ narrow loss against Lucknow Super Giants

Mumbai were tasked with chasing 204 after LSG posted a strong 203/8, thanks to fiery half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh (60 off 31) and Aiden Markram (53 off 38). Hardik led MI’s bowling with an exceptional 5-wicket haul, helping his team claw back into the game after a brutal start. However, despite Hardik’s effort with the ball and his late cameo of 28 not out off 16, MI’s chase eventually fell short by 12 runs.

The Mumbai innings started shakily with the early dismissal of openers Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, but a 66-run stand between Naman Dhir (46 off 24) and Suryakumar brought MI back into contention. Suryakumar played with authority, smashing nine boundaries and a six, and reached his fifty in just 31 balls. Even as Tilak retired out to allow the in-form Pandya more time, MI couldn’t find the final push in the last overs. For LSG, young Digvesh Rathi stood out with the ball, conceding only 21 runs in his four overs and dismissing the dangerous Naman Dhir. Avesh Khan and Akash Deep also chipped in with timely wickets, holding their nerve in a tense finish. Rathi’s calm under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award.

Also READ: IPL 2025 – Hardik Pandya and Mahela Jayawardene reveal the reason behind MI’s bold call of retiring out Tilak Varma against LSG