Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Santner, two of MI’s key bowlers, didn’t complete their full quota of overs against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.
Varun Aaron Criticizes Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Strategy in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2
Former India pacer Varun Aaron openly criticized Hardik Pandya’s bowling decisions in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 clash where Mumbai Indians (MI) were stunned by Punjab Kings (PBKS). MI, defending a hefty total of 203/7, suffered their first-ever failure to defend a 200+ score in IPL history, ending their campaign abruptly. Shreyas Iyer’s exceptional unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls guided PBKS to victory with an over to spare.
MI’s bowling attack struggled on the day. Jasprit Bumrah, usually a key wicket-taker, went wicketless, conceding 40 runs in his four overs. Trent Boult managed to claim only one wicket but was expensive with figures of 1/38. Hardik Pandya’s tactical choice to entrust the crucial penultimate over to Ashwani Kumar backfired as Iyer finished the game in the 19th over.
Aaron criticized Hardik Pandya for bowling only two overs, despite his proven ability on the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Aaron said, “Hardik should have bowled all four overs. He’s bowled effectively here before and his slower balls and slow bouncers are difficult to score off. It was a missed opportunity to maintain pressure.” Aaron’s comments highlight the tactical errors that contributed to MI’s unexpected defeat.
‘No reason not to give Santner his four overs’
Hardik Pandya claimed the crucial wicket of Josh Inglish, who had smashed 20 runs off Jasprit Bumrah’s over, yet Pandya bowled just two overs in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS). Former India pacer Varun Aaron criticized Hardik for not using his full bowling quota, especially considering the importance of every over in a knockout match.
Mitchell Santner, another key bowler for MI, was economical with figures of 0/15 from two overs but was also not given his complete four overs. Aaron expressed surprise at Pandya’s decision to hold back Santner, noting how well the spinner had bowled during his initial spell.
“Santner was bowling so well; he was just doing exactly what was needed. There was no reason not to give Santner his four overs,” Aaron said on ESPNCricinfo. He argued that both Hardik and Santner could have applied more pressure on PBKS’ batsmen had they been given more overs. Aaron’s observations highlighted tactical decisions that may have cost MI crucial control in a game they eventually lost, ending their season.
