LSG vs MI / Hardik Pandya's coach again, on whose orders did Tilak Verma retire?

LSG vs MI: There was a moment in the match between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants that shocked cricket lovers. Tilak Verma, who was seen struggling at the crease at that time, suddenly retired out in the 19th over. His performance was very ordinary - only 25 runs in 23 balls. This decision not only changed the course of the match but also started a new debate in the cricket world.

Why was this decision taken?

Putting an end to all speculations after the match, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene clarified that the decision to call Tilak back was his. He called it a strategic move. Jayawardene called it an experiment inspired by football, where the coach tries to turn the match around by bringing in a substitute at the last moment. He said that Mumbai needed 29 runs in the last two overs, and given Tilak's slow batting, it was necessary to bring in a new batsman who could score runs quickly.

Was the strategy successful?

Mitchell Santner, who was sent in place of Tilak, also could not show anything special and the team had to face defeat in the end. In such a situation, this strategy was not successful, but the use of an option like "retire out" in cricket definitely added a new dimension.

Experts' opinion: Captain or coach?

When Tilak retired out, the question immediately arose among social media and cricket pundits whether this decision was of captain Hardik Pandya or the team management? Usually such big decisions are taken by the captain on the field. But this time the coach came forward and took responsibility for it. Still, many experts questioned why Hardik Pandya was not removed when he himself could score only 11 runs in 17 balls against Gujarat Titans?

Was the time right?

A big question is also that if Tilak had to be retired out, then why was this decision not taken in the 17th or 18th over? Even then there was no pace in his batting. If this step had been taken on time, then perhaps the team would have had a little more chance of winning.

Retired out for the second time in IPL

Tilak Verma has become the second player in IPL history to retire out. Before him, in 2022, Ravichandran Ashwin took this step in the match against Lucknow while playing for Rajasthan Royals.