There was quite a stir in the Mumbai Indians camp when the team's left-handed batter Tilak Varma retired out during their IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 4.

Chasing a target of 204 runs, Tilak retired out after scoring 25 off 23 balls. His decision left many baffled, as Mumbai Indians eventually succumbed to a 12-run defeat at the Ekana Stadium.

Tilak made a stunning comeback in MI's next game by smashing a 33-ball 59 against Delhi Capitals, helping the team post 205 for 5 in 20 overs and secure a 12-run victory.

A rumour spread quickly that Tilak’s decision to retire out was made in haste after MI captain Hardik Pandya allegedly hurled abusive words at him. The controversy surrounding his decision at a crucial juncture of the match against the Super Giants refused to die down.

Tilak, however, said he took the decision on behalf of the team. “Nothing. I was just thinking that they made the decision for the team's purpose. So, I took it in a positive way and did not take it in a negative way. But the main thing is how you take it. It is more important,” Tilak said on Star Sports after Mumbai Indians’ win over Delhi Capitals.

“So I was thinking of it that way. I just want to be comfortable wherever I bat. So I told the coach and staff, ‘Do not worry. Wherever you play me, I am comfortable, and I will give my best,’” he added.

Mumbai Indians did not have a good start to IPL 2025. They lost four of their first six matches. However, the win against Delhi Capitals helped them rise to the seventh spot on the points table.

Spinner Karn Sharma played a pivotal role in the match by picking up three wickets, including the prized scalp of KL Rahul. After the match, a relieved Hardik Pandya said, “Absolutely. Winning is always special, especially in games like this. You have to keep fighting and it means a lot.”

“(Karn was) fantastic. Coming in and bowling the way he did showed a lot of heart, especially at a small ground like that,” he added.

At one stage, DC were well on course for victory, with Karun Nair (89 off 40 balls) and Abhishek Porel (33 off 25 balls) sharing a 119-run partnership for the second wicket. But after the dismissals of Porel and Nair, DC lost their way. They suffered a collapse, courtesy of Karn’s bowling.

Hardik, however, was appreciative of Nair’s effort. Playing his first match of IPL 2025, Nair played a scintillating knock at a strike rate of 222.50.

“We were running out of options regarding what to bowl at him (Karun Nair). The way he took on our bowlers, took his chances, and the way he executed – it shows the hard work he has put in. I think he took us by surprise,” said Hardik.

DC were eventually bowled out for 193, suffering their first defeat of the season.

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