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Sunil Gavaskar Questions Hardik Pandya Over Tilak Varma Denying Single During MI's Tricky Chase

Sunil Gavaskar seemed unhappy with Tilak Varma refusing to take single off Rashid Khan (Twitter)Sunil Gavaskar seemed unhappy with Tilak Varma refusing to take single off Rashid Khan (Twitter)

In the nail-biting clash that unfolded during the IPL 2024 on Sunday, Mumbai Indians (MI) were pipped at the post by Gujarat Titans (GT), falling short by just six runs in a match that was theirs for the taking.

After the Gujarat versus Mumbai match, a critical episode featuring young MI batter Tilak Varma grabbed the limelight, thanks to the piercing scrutiny of cricketing doyen Sunil Gavaskar.


Sunil Gavaskar questions Tilak Varma's decision against Rashid Khan

Tilak Varma's decision to refuse a single against Rashid Khan's bowling to keep Tim David off strike has since become a bone of contention and has sparked debates across the cricketing fraternity.

With the scoreboard reading 107/2 after 12 overs, MI seemed set to cruise to victory, spearheaded by former captain Rohit Sharma's blitz. However, the plot thickened as MI found themselves grappling for 42 runs in the last five overs.

It was during this crunch time that Varma, paired with the explosive Tim David, opted against taking a single off Khan, a move that raised eyebrows and set tongues wagging.

With the noose tightening, this decision left spectators and experts alike scratching their heads, pondering the wisdom behind leaving David, a known finisher, marooned at the non-striker's end.

During the post-match show on JioCinema, Sunil Gavaskar, never one to mince words directly asked Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya about the contentious decision.

“There was one over by Rashid Khan, the last over where Tilak Varma did not take a single. Is there any thinking behind that?” asked Gavaskar.


“Not really, I think Tilak felt that was a better idea at that point of time. I completely back him, it is not an issue. 13 games to go,” replied Hardik.

Meanwhile, the thrilling game saw Hardik’s valiant efforts in the last over fall short against GT's Umesh Yadav. 

With 19 runs needed off the final over, Hardik smashed a six and a four off the first two balls but holed out at long-on on the third delivery. Umesh then dismissed Piyush Chawla and sealed the match for GT.