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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to produce nail-biting finishes, and one such heart-stopper came as Gujarat Titans (GT) edged past Mumbai Indians (MI) in a last-ball thriller. However, the aftermath of the game stirred more than just excitement. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar voiced his displeasure over Hardik Pandya’s tactical choices, especially his decision to not bowl the final over and hand the responsibility to Deepak Chahar instead. With MI’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Gavaskar’s critique has added fuel to an already intense season.
Sunil Gavaskar calls out Hardik Pandya
One of the most baffling decisions in the rain-affected match was Hardik’s absence from the final over. Known for his nerve and experience in high-pressure situations, Hardik surprisingly chose not to back himself, even with 15 runs to defend. Gavaskar was quick to question this choice, recalling several occasions where Hardik had delivered match-winning final overs, including the memorable T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa and the nerve-wracking finish against Bangladesh.
Hardik, who bowled just one over in the match and conceded 18 runs, seemed out of rhythm. But Gavaskar insisted that the captain should have embraced the pressure and taken charge rather than relying on a less-suited bowler. “He has done it before, on the biggest of stages. That’s why you’re the captain—you take the heat and deliver,” Gavaskar emphasized during his analysis on Jio Hotstar.
Also READ: Hardik Pandya registers an unwanted record as Gujarat Titans edge past Mumbai Indians in a thriller
Gavaskar deems Deepak Chahar as a misfit for death overs
The other figure under Gavaskar’s radar was Chahar, who was given the unenviable task of bowling the final over. Chahar, known for his new-ball swing in the powerplay, appeared visibly out of his element in the death overs. Tasked with defending 15 runs, he faltered under pressure, allowing Rahul Tewatia and Gerald Coetzee to snatch victory for Gujarat Titans off the last delivery.
Gavaskar criticized the decision, pointing out that Chahar lacks experience in the final overs and has rarely been used in such scenarios.
“This was probably one of those rare occasions where he was asked to close the game, and unfortunately, it didn’t work,” he added.
He also highlighted how MI’s slow-over rate led to an on-field penalty, reducing the fielding side by one player in the final over—a crucial factor that arguably turned the match in GT’s favour.
The result has placed Mumbai Indians in a precarious fourth position with 14 points, making every remaining match critical. Gavaskar’s sharp remarks underline the need for MI to reassess their strategies and leadership choices swiftly if they aim to stay alive in the playoff race.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Gujarat Titans clinch nail-biter to end Mumbai Indians’ 6-game winning spree
