Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to supply nail-biting finishes, and one such heart-stopper got here as Gujarat Titans (GT) edged previous Mumbai Indians (MI) in a last-ball thriller. Nevertheless, the aftermath of the sport stirred extra than simply pleasure. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar voiced his displeasure over Hardik Pandya’s tactical selections, particularly his choice to not bowl the ultimate over and hand the accountability to Deepak Chahar as a substitute. With MI’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Gavaskar’s critique has added gasoline to an already intense season.
Sunil Gavaskar calls out Hardik Pandya
One of the crucial baffling choices within the rain-affected match was Hardik’s absence from the ultimate over. Identified for his nerve and expertise in high-pressure conditions, Hardik surprisingly selected to not again himself, even with 15 runs to defend. Gavaskar was fast to query this selection, recalling a number of events the place Hardik had delivered match-winning closing overs, together with the memorable T20 World Cup 2024 closing in opposition to South Africa and the nerve-wracking end in opposition to Bangladesh.
Hardik, who bowled only one over within the match and conceded 18 runs, appeared out of rhythm. However Gavaskar insisted that the captain ought to have embraced the strain and brought cost quite than counting on a less-suited bowler. “He has executed it earlier than, on the largest of phases. That’s why you’re the captain—you’re taking the warmth and ship,” Gavaskar emphasised throughout his evaluation on Jio Hotstar.
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Gavaskar deems Deepak Chahar as a misfit for demise overs
The opposite determine below Gavaskar’s radar was Chahar, who was given the unenviable process of bowling the ultimate over. Chahar, identified for his new-ball swing within the powerplay, appeared visibly out of his component within the demise overs. Tasked with defending 15 runs, he faltered below strain, permitting Rahul Tewatia and Gerald Coetzee to grab victory for Gujarat Titans off the final supply.
Gavaskar criticized the choice, mentioning that Chahar lacks expertise within the closing overs and has not often been utilized in such eventualities.
“This was most likely a kind of uncommon events the place he was requested to shut the sport, and sadly, it didn’t work,” he added.
He additionally highlighted how MI’s slow-over charge led to an on-field penalty, lowering the fielding aspect by one participant within the closing over—a vital issue that arguably turned the match in GT’s favour.
The outcome has positioned Mumbai Indians in a precarious fourth place with 14 factors, making each remaining match vital. Gavaskar’s sharp remarks underline the necessity for MI to reassess their methods and management selections swiftly in the event that they intention to remain alive within the playoff race.
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