In a nerve-wracking encounter at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) held their nerve to defeat Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs in IPL 2025.
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Despite a record-breaking performance by MI captain Hardik Pandya, who claimed a sensational five-wicket haul, the visitors fell just short in their chase of 204.
LSG, after being put into bat, got off to a blistering start with Mitchell Marsh leading the charge.
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The Australian all-rounder smashed a quick-fire 60 off 31 balls, including 2 sixes and 9 fours. He, along with Aiden Markram (53 off 38), stitched a solid opening stand that laid the foundation for a 200-plus total.
David Miller added a late flourish with 27 off 14, pushing LSG to 203/8. However, the star of the innings was MI skipper Hardik Pandya, who turned the tide with the ball in the final overs.
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He ended with remarkable figures of 5/36, becoming the first-ever captain to take a five-wicket haul in IPL history.
Chasing 204, MI’s top order faltered early, with both openers Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton dismissed cheaply. Naman Dhir (46 off 24) and Suryakumar Yadav then resurrected the innings. SKY was as fluent as ever, crafting a classy 67 off 43 balls, but his dismissal in the 16th over proved pivotal.
Tilak Varma, after struggling for rhythm, became only the fourth player in IPL history to be retired out, highlighting MI’s tactical desperation. Hardik tried to take it deep, smashing a six in the final over, but Avesh Khan held his nerve to seal the win for LSG.
Despite the scoreboard pressure, LSG’s bowling unit responded with great discipline.
Avesh Khan delivered a clutch final over, while Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Singh Rathi applied the brakes in the middle overs. Shardul Thakur, too, chipped in with a vital wicket, keeping MI batters in check.
Just hours before the match, Rohit Sharma was seen practicing and appeared fully fit. Yet, surprisingly, he was declared “injured” and left out of the playing XI again. This has sparked a massive outcry from fans and cricketing circles alike.
A Rohit Sharma fa wrote, “Loyalty means nothing anymore. Just a few hours ago, Rohit Sharma was practicing, fit and ready. Now, suddenly “injured”? We all know the truth. A World Cup-winning captain treated like this? SHAME ON MUMBAI INDIANS!”
Fans are demanding transparency and questioning the franchise’s treatment of one of its greatest legends. With growing unrest online, the issue threatens to overshadow MI’s campaign.
This close win propels Lucknow Super Giants up the points table, giving them crucial momentum in the early phase of the tournament. For Mumbai Indians, the loss stings even more as it came despite a historic individual effort from their captain.
Notable Moments
Hardik Pandya’s 5/36 – First captain to take a fifer in IPL history.
Tilak Varma retired out – Only the fourth instance in IPL.
Mitchell Marsh’s 60 (31) – A game-changing knock at the top.
SKY’s 67 (43) – Classy yet in vain.
What’s Next?
LSG will look to continue their winning run in the coming matches with growing confidence, while MI needs to sort out internal dynamics and regain focus fast.
With the Rohit Sharma saga heating up, all eyes will be on how the team handles the backlash.
Notable Moments
Hardik Pandya’s five-for—his first as captain—wrote its name in IPL history. That was a first.
Tilak Varma became the fourth player to retire out in the IPL. That’s a pretty rare occurrence.
Mitchell Marsh changed the game with his 60 off 31 at the top. SKY’s 67 off 43 was classy—but ultimately in vain.
