What Did Hardik Pandya Say About the ‘Retired Out’ Decision in MI vs RCB Clash.

Mumbai: After much speculation and debate, Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya has finally opened up about the ‘retired out’ decision that took place during the MI vs RCB IPL 2025 clash. The move sparked widespread reactions among fans and experts, many of whom questioned the strategy.

Speaking after the match, Hardik said,

“People don’t really know the full story. It was a team decision made in the moment, based on the match situation and required run rate.”
He emphasized that the decision wasn’t meant to undermine any player but was purely tactical in nature.

While Hardik didn’t reveal the name of the player who was retired out, reports suggest that the move was aimed at bringing in a power-hitter to maximize scoring during the death overs. The bold strategy reflects a growing trend in T20 cricket where “retired out” is being used as a strategic option rather than a signal of injury or unavailability.

Addressing the buzz around Rohit Sharma, who had played a slower-than-expected innings, Hardik was quick to defend the former captain.

“Rohit is an experienced campaigner. He knows what the team needs. It’s easy to comment from the outside, but inside the team, we all trust each other’s judgment.”

The match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was crucial for MI as they aimed to bounce back from early defeats. The decision to retire out a batter was seen as high-risk, but MI’s eventual win has somewhat validated the move.

Hardik also added that such decisions are part of modern-day T20 strategies and teams must evolve with the game.

“We are not playing traditional cricket anymore. It’s about being one step ahead and doing what it takes to win.”

This is not the first time a team has used this tactic in IPL, but it remains a rare move and naturally draws strong opinions.

As the IPL season heats up, fans will be keeping a close eye on MI’s strategies and how Hardik continues to lead under pressure.