New Delhi: The Mumbai Indians organizational structure is unique as it features current Indian national team captains Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav playing under Hardik Pandya who holds no vice-captaincy role for India. This highlights the franchises independent approach to team management prioritizing what they perceive as the best interests of the Mumbai Indians. This approach has been consistently demonstrated through past decisions including appointing and subsequently replacing Rohit Sharma as captain and even employing the tactical retirement of Tilak Varma during a high-stakes chase. The decisions regarding player selection particularly Rohits removal and Hardiks appointment generated significant criticism. While the decision to retire Tilak Varma may not have caused the same level of controversy it still faced considerable criticism and questioning. Several former Indian cricketers including Harbhajan Singh Virender Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif questioned the strategic decision to retire out Tilak Varma and substitute him with Mitchell Santner citing Santners limited big-hitting capabilities. Mumbai Indians decision to recall Tilak Varma likely faced internal opposition as evidenced by Suryakumar Yadavs apparent disapproval. With 12 balls remaining and needing 29 runs Mumbai Indians Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya faced Lucknow Super Giants Shardul Thakur. Thakurs accurate yorkers and low full tosses prevented big hits limiting the pair to only five singles. This sequence proved a crucial turning point in the match. Tilak Varma retired hurt on 25 runs from 23 balls leaving the field before facing the final delivery of the 19th over. He had hit only two boundaries during his innings. Santner came to the crease as his replacement. Surya Kumar Yadav expressed disbelief and mild protest at Mumbai Indians decision to send Mitchell Santner to bat ahead of Tilak Varma. Following a brief explanation from coach Mahela Jayawardene Yadav remained silent though his unconvinced demeanor was apparent. Sky sad reaction for Tilak verma when he retired by the management❤❤❤❤❤ L(laund) decission by hardik kaliya🤡#LSGvsMI #HardikPandya #LSGvMI#RohitSharma #SuryakumarYadav #tilakvarma pic.twitter.com/VutF5BkAwT — S (@Always4kohli) April 5 2025 Surya Kumar Yadav a known admirer of Tilak Varma notably relinquished his number three position on Indias T20I team following Varmas first international century. Despite a strong performance by Suryakumar Yadav (67 runs off 43 balls) Mumbai Indians fell short of their target by 12 runs against Lucknow Super Giants. The match remained competitive until Yadavs dismissal in the 17th over at which point Lucknow secured victory. Following the game Jayawardene explained his decision to recall Tilak Varma and bring in Mitchell Santner. I think Tilak batted well for us when we lost that wicket and that partnership with Surya and he just wanted to get going but he just couldnt then and I waited till the last few overs hoping that because he spent some time there so he should have been able to get that hit out of the way but I just felt that at the end I just needed someone fresh to go and he was struggling when these things happen in cricket and not nice to take him out but I had to do that it was a tactical decision at that point Jayawardene told reporters in the press conference.