Tilak Varma Issues An Official Statement On Being Retired Out By Mumbai Indians

Most of the fans and pundits of the game were puzzled when the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) management decided to retire the left-handed Indian batter, Tilak Varma, during the away fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants.

The southpaw was struggling to find the middle of the bat. Verma made 25 runs in 23 balls, coming at number five for the side in the 204-run chase. Suryakumar Yadav, the vice-captain of the franchise, was visibly unhappy with the decision.

Tilak Varma opens up on ‘retiring out’ decision

Tilak Varma has enjoyed a fabulous time in his international cricket for India in the T20I format. The 22-year-old has smashed 749 runs in 24 innings at an average of 49.93 and a strike rate of 155.07, thanks to three half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of unbeaten 120 runs.

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But he couldn’t make a huge impact at the start of the IPL 2025 season. The expectations were high from the retained batter, who nailed 416 runs in the previous season in 13 innings at an average of 41.60 and a strike rate of 149.64, shouldering three fifties at the best score of 59.

Tilak Varma, during the LSG fixture, was replaced by Mitchell Santner, who also couldn’t do much in the clash and ended with two runs at run-a-ball as the franchise lost by 12 runs. Since that incident, the Indian batter has clubbed two successive half-centuries against RCB and DC.

He recalled the management’s decision to re-sign him against the Super Giants and admitted that he understood that the plan was for the team’s cause.

“Nothing, I was just thinking that they have decided for the team’s purpose. So, I was taking it positively and didn’t take it negatively. But the main thing is how you take it's more important.” The Hyderabad-born expressed to Star Sports at the end of the game against the Capitals.

“So I was thinking it that way. I just want to be comfortable wherever I bat. So I said to the coach and staff, ‘Don't worry, wherever you play me, I'm comfortable, and I'll give my best.” Tilak Varma explained.

Tilak Varma shoulders Mumbai to 205/5 vs DC

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton gave Mumbai a solid start inside the powerplay with an opening stand of 47 runs in five overs. But they lost both the batters in quick succession. It was vital for someone to guide the side to a commanding total in the first inning.

Suryakumar smashed 40 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of 142.86, while Tilak Varma celebrated his eighth half-century in the 20-over league. He remained unbeaten on 59 runs in 33 balls, thanks to six boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of nearly 180.

Tilak Varma's partnership with Naman Dhir for 62 runs in 33 balls was crucial to carry the side to 205/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Mumbai Indians held their nerve in a crunch situation

Thanks to Karun Nair’s 89-run knock in 40 balls, Delhi Capitals were well in the chase by 12 overs before Mumbai made a sensational comeback in the game.

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All the fielders of the five-time champions were on the ball as they kept increasing pressure on the Delhi batters. Tilak displayed some excellent ground fielding as they made three run-outs on the last three balls to collect the victory by 12 runs, to climb up to the seventh position in the points table.