Tilak Varma opens up on controversial 'retired-out' decision

Mumbai Indians' Tilak Varma was asked about his controversial retired out dismissal during the match against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. The left-handed batter claimed that he understood the purpose behind the team's decision. The Southpaw further confirmed that he positively took the decision, rather than a negative way, and felt it was important to react positively according to the match situation.

The middle-order batter was upset with the decision, but took it positively nonetheless. The star batter was on 25(24) with 24 runs needed in the last 7 balls against LSG, which led to him being retired out. Since then, the Indian he has made a brilliant comeback, scoring 56(29) and 59(33) against RCB and DC in the last couple of matches. What Tilak said was what he meant, as he directed his frustration on the bowlers with his batting performances.

"Nothing. I was just thinking that they made the decision for the team's purpose. So, I took it in a positive way and didn't take it in a negative way. But the main thing is how you take it. It's more important," Tilak said. The star player said he told the coach and staff members that he was comfortable to bat in any position they wanted him to," he said on Star Sports on Sunday.

"So I was thinking it that way. I just want to be comfortable wherever I bat. So I told the coach and staff, "Don't worry, wherever you play me, I'm comfortable, and I'll give my best," Varma added.

Karun Nair took us by surprise - MI captain Hardik Pandya

After the thrilling match against Delhi Capitals, Hardik Pandya spoke in the post-match presentation. The MI skipper felt great to beat DC in a crunch match. The star player was happy for Karn Sharma, who bowled well and claimed important wickets in his spell. Pandya felt his spell was great considering the nature of the venue in Delhi.

"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 bowled, showed a lot of heart, especially at a small ground like that," said Pandya, as he was happy for MI's win and Karn's bowling performance.

Pandya praised Karun Nair's exceptional performance against them. He claimed options were running out due to the way Nair batted in his IPL comeback match. When asked about the three run-outs in the same over, Hardik claimed fielding could turn the match around. The MI skipper said the efforts of the fielders helped the 5-time champions to convert chances into dismissals.

"We were running out of options regarding what to bowl at him. 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. I always believe fielding is something that can change the game upside down. We were switched on, didn't give up, and they got the chances and converted," Pandya added.