Akash Ambani, the owner of Mumbai Indians, appeared shocked during MI’s IPL 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants. His reaction came after MI skipper Hardik Pandya refused a single to Mitchell Santner in a crucial moment. At that point, Mumbai needed 14 runs from 4 balls. Taking that single could have reduced the target to 13 from 3. But Hardik declined it, failed to connect two big shots, and finally took a single when the game was nearly lost. Realizing the match had slipped away, he threw his bat in frustration.
Hardik Starts Over with Intent but Refuses to Rotate Strike
Mumbai required 22 runs from the last over. Hardik began positively, smashing Avesh Khan’s low full toss for six over extra cover. Then, he flicked the next ball for two runs through mid-wicket. At this point, MI badly needed boundaries. Hardik decided he should finish the game himself. So, on the third ball, he refused to take a single and sent Santner back, even though Santner had almost reached the striker’s end.
As this unfolded, cameras focused on Akash Ambani in the hospitality area. Though he stayed composed, his expression made it clear that he was surprised by the decision.
Tilak Varma’s Retirement Makes Decision Harder to Justify
Hardik’s call to deny Santner a strike was even more surprising because of what had happened minutes earlier. MI had taken a bold step by retiring out Tilak Varma. They brought Santner in, hoping he could score quickly. But Hardik’s refusal to give him the strike made that move pointless. It raised questions about the team’s strategy.
Things got worse when Hardik missed the next two deliveries. MI fell short by 12 runs. By the time the match ended, Ambani had walked into the team dugout. He shook hands and consoled the disappointed MI players.
Suryakumar Yadav Kept MI in Hunt Until His Exit
Mumbai Indians were chasing a big target of 204 at Ekana Stadium. Suryakumar Yadav kept their hopes alive with a strong innings. But once he got out in the 17th over, Lucknow’s bowlers took control. Tilak Varma couldn’t make an impact. The left-hander failed to play big shots and struggled with his timing.
Final Overs Seal MI’s Fate
In the final two overs, Mumbai needed 29 runs. Shardul Thakur bowled the 19th and gave away just 7 runs. Then Avesh Khan, despite being hit for six on the first ball of the last over, kept his cool. His tight bowling helped LSG seal the win.
Tilak Varma, who came in as the impact substitute, scored 25 off 23 balls. However, he was retired out in the second last over as part of MI’s gamble.
Digvesh Rathi Shines with the Ball
For Lucknow, wrist spinner Digvesh Rathi delivered a tight spell. He finished with figures of 1 for 21. Notably, he dismissed Naman Dhir when Dhir looked dangerous at 46. His controlled bowling earned him the Player of the Match award.
Mitchell Marsh Powers LSG with Blazing Knock
Earlier, Mitchell Marsh gave Lucknow a brilliant start. He scored 60 runs off just 31 balls. His knock included nine boundaries and two sixes. Marsh’s explosive batting laid the foundation for LSG’s total and eventual win.
