IPL 2025: Former World Cup Winner Emphasizes Respect Between Team Owners and Players
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Synopsis
Chennai, April 5 (NationPress) The decision to retire Tilak Varma during the IPL 2025 match raised questions about the appropriateness of this tactic, highlighting the need for respect between team owners and players.
Key Takeaways
- Tilak Varma was retired out during the IPL 2025 match.
- This move sparked a debate on player respect.
- Jayawardene called it a tactical necessity.
- The balance of accountability in franchise cricket was questioned.
- All eyes will be on Varma's return to the field.
Chennai, April 5 (NationPress) The decision to retire Tilak Varma during the IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians on Friday ignited a discussion on whether this move was justified.
At the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, a struggling Varma, who managed a modest 25 runs from 23 balls, became only the fourth player ever to be retired out in IPL history. Although Mitchell Santner stepped in as his replacement, it ultimately did not alter MI’s fate as they lost by 12 runs, with LSG pacer Avesh Khan successfully defending 22 runs in the last over.
Many in the Indian cricket community are skeptical of Jayawardene’s rationale behind retiring a seasoned player like Varma. “Franchise-based cricket can be lucrative for players, but it often compromises their self-respect. There needs to be a line of respect between team owners and players—both sides should maintain it,” remarked a member of a World Cup-winning team, choosing to remain anonymous, in a conversation with IANS on Saturday.
After the match, head coach Mahela Jayawardene referred to the decision to retire Varma as unfortunate yet tactical. “He was eager to perform but struggled. We held out hope till the final overs, considering he had been at the crease long enough to regain his form.”
“However, in the end, I felt we needed someone fresh to take over, and he was having a tough time. Such things are part of cricket. It’s not pleasant to take him out, but it was a tactical decision,” he added.
As MI prepares to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2025 match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, all eyes will be on how Varma performs upon returning to his home ground after the controversial retirement in Lucknow.
