Mumbai Indians fell short by 21 runs in a tense finish against Lucknow Super Giants, but what stood out most was a controversial move that drew widespread criticism - Tilak Varma's slow knock of 25 off 23 balls , followed by a retired out decision ahead of the final over.

Chasing 204, MI were cruising at one stage with Suryakumar Yadav and young Dhir stitching a promising stand after early setbacks. The move to promote Dhir to No. 3 worked as he, along with SKY, put LSG under pressure. However, once Dhir fell immediately after the timeout to Digvesh Singh Rathi, the momentum shifted.

Tilak Varma came in and slowed the chase considerably. His inability to rotate strike and absorb pressure from the falling run rate frustrated fans and put added pressure on SKY, who eventually perished trying to force the pace. Netizens were quick to react, with many slamming Tilak for "playing like a 5-day Test match" in a T20 chase.

With 22 needed off the final over, MI took the baffling call to retire out Tilak and send in Mitchell Santner. But Hardik Pandya, who had started the over with a six and a two, failed to rotate strike thereafter, and Santner only faced the final delivery - which he couldn't connect. Avesh Khan bowled brilliantly under pressure and defended the target, sealing a 21-run win for LSG.

As the match ended, Hardik Pandya managed a tame smile while shaking hands with opponents. LSG had held their nerve, and once again, MI faltered away from home.

Result:
LSG 203/8 (20)
MI 182/5 (20)
LSG won by 21 runs

The decision to retire out Tilak and the timing of it - with only one over to go - is being widely seen as a desperate and ill-timed tactical move, one that did more harm than good.

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