IPL 2025: Gavaskar Fumes Over MI’s Fielding, Calls It “Terrible”

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers struggled on Saturday but were able to hold Gujarat Titans to under 200 in an IPL 2025 match in Ahmedabad. Though skipper Hardik Pandya was the one who heated things up, there were moments when MI fielders came up short. One of them was when an overthrow went for five runs. It occurred when Sai Sudharsan took a single off Deepak Chahar. But Naman Dhir’s throw provided an opportunity for a run-out at the non-striker’s end. The throw, though, went past the stumps. To make matters worse, there was no one to back up the ball raced to the boundary.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Harsh Criticism

The act left Sunil Gavaskar, commentating on Star Sports, fuming. “That’s absolutely terrible cricket. No wonder Deepak Chahar is not happy, it (the five runs) goes against his name!” Gavaskar said. Reflecting on MI’s rich history in the IPL, he expressed his disappointment, stating, “I have been following Mumbai Indians ever since 2008. Got to say that this is not the team that I know.” His sentiments resonate with many fans who have witnessed MI’s evolution into one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.

Sai Sudharsan’s Game-Changing Knock

Sai Sudharsan demonstrated his increased standing with a calm 63, but Mumbai Indians, inspired by Hardik Pandya, came back splendidly in the backend to restrict Gujarat Titans to a par score of 196/8. Tamil Nadu left-hander played with easy wrists and divine placement in his 41-ball 63 with four boundaries and two sixes. Just as GT looked set for a 200-plus total, Hardik Pandya the Mumbai Indian’s captain but the breaks on the momentum Gujarat had post Power Play, finishing with an impressive 2/29, his impact extending beyond his bowling as he also ran out Rahul Tewatia. Sudharsan’s dismissal in the 18th over, trapped lbw by Trent Boult’s searing yorker, triggered a mini-collapse as GT lost three wickets in three balls across two overs.

MI’s Inconsistent Fielding and Tactical Adjustments in IPL 2025

MI’s fielding was not great, with overs and missed run-outs costing dearly. But Hardik’s variations with brains added pressure, and they led to important wickets. Irreseptive of Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the bowling attack, MI ensured that GT could not reach the 200-run mark. The last power play over was brutal with Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler making an attacking start. Gill walked out against Deepak Chahar to blast him for a six and followed it up with a jab of the shorter arm for four, taking GT to 66/0 at racing pace. But Pandya’s strategic mindsight saw him send important wickets tumbling and bring MI back into reckoning.

The Road Ahead for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025

Though MI struggled with their fielding, their bowling in the second half of the innings stopped the bigger deficit. These issues need to be addressed by MI’s coaching staff. Ensuring intensive fielding practice, mental preparation, and instilling a culture where every saved run is rewarded can be possible remedies. Former cricketers and experts have frequently pointed out how important fielding is in the T20 format. Fielding is one department where games can be won or lost on small margins.

For a Mumbai Indians’ team of such caliber, where high expectations are the order of the day, these failures must be addressed at the earliest opportunity. The management, cricketing fraternity, and the fans will be watching closely how MI reacts to this challenge in its future matches.