India, April 5 -- In a dramatic IPL showdown, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya found himself at the center of controversy after making a strategic yet highly debated call-retiring out a struggling Tilak Varma in the 19th over. The decision, aimed at accelerating the team's chase, did not sit well with fans, who flooded social media with criticism.

Mumbai Indians were in pursuit of a steep target when the game reached its decisive moments. With 24 runs needed off the final 7 balls, all eyes were on Tilak Varma, who had been at the crease but was struggling to find momentum. In a move that caught everyone off guard, Hardik decided to retire tilak out, bringing in a fresh batter to take on the final overs.

While tactically sound on pap...