The IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Wankhede Stadium has sparked widespread debate, centering on Hardik Pandya’s last over controversy. In a tense finish, Pandya’s surprising decision not to bowl the final over himself drew sharp criticism, with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar openly questioning the MI skipper’s tactical judgment.
Mumbai Indians, batting first, put up a decent score of 155/8. Rain interruptions meant Gujarat Titans were given a revised target of 156 runs in 19 overs. The match reached a nail-biting climax, with GT needing 15 runs in the final.
Surprisingly, Hardik Pandya, known for his composure and control under pressure, chose not to bowl the last over. Instead, he handed the responsibility to pacer Deepak Chahar, who struggled to maintain his line and length. GT successfully chased down the target with three wickets in hand, leaving MI fans and analysts questioning the captain’s judgment.
Reacting to the loss, Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back in his criticism. The former India skipper expressed disappointment over Pandya’s call, suggesting that a leader of his stature should have taken charge in a do-or-die moment.
Gavaskar reminded fans that Pandya had successfully bowled the final overs in key international games, including the ICC T20 World Cup final and a match against Bangladesh, where he maintained his nerve. “If you’re the captain, and you’ve done it before under pressure, why pass the ball to someone with less experience?” Gavaskar questioned.
To make matters worse, the Mumbai Indians were penalized for a slow over-rate, which forced them to keep an extra fielder inside the circle during the final overs. This restriction likely reduced the pressure on Gujarat’s batters and contributed to MI’s defeat. It also raises concerns about MI’s match awareness and preparation in crunch situations.
With this loss, the Mumbai Indians are slipping in the points table. As the IPL 2025 league stage inches toward the finish line, every game is crucial. Such errors in decision-making and match conduct could prove costly for MI in their quest for a playoff spot.
Hardik Pandya’s captaincy has come under scrutiny multiple times this season. While his aggressive style of play has its merits, decisions like the one in the match against GT have invited criticism from legends and fans alike. With cricket being a game of fine margins, one wrong move can change the outcome, something MI learned the hard way.
