“Is Santner A Better Hitter”: Harbhajan Singh Interrogates MI Over Retiring Out Tilak Varma

Harbhajan Singh wanted Tilak Varma to carry on. [Source: @harbhajan_singh & @CricketNDTV/X]

Legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh has questioned Mumbai Indians for retiring out Tilak Varma during an unsuccessful 204-run chase against Lucknow Super Giants. As per the 44-year-old, the team management committed a mistake by recalling Varma into the dugout.

Varma, who scored a laboured 25 (23) at a strike rate of 108.69, became the fourth player to get retired out in Indian Premier League history. With MI needing 24 runs to win off seven balls, the left-handed batter was called back.

Harbhajan, who represented Indians between 2008-2017 including leading them to their maiden title, questioned Santner’s hitting skills in such a situation. Notably, Santner’s IPL strike rate of 106.31 is way below Varma’s 143.13.

“Retiring Tilak for Santer was a mistake in my opinion . Is Santner a better hitter than Tilak ? If it was for Pollard or some other accomplished hitter I would have understood . But Don’t agree with this . Come on @mipaltan,” Harbhajan tweeted last night.

MI’s Decision Didn’t Make Sense To Hanuma Vihari

While Mumbai head coach Mahela Jayawardene justified the decision to retire out Varma, it made no sense to India batter Hanuma Vihari. Having represented Hyderabad in domestic cricket alongside Varma, Vihari pointed out the double standards practiced by the franchise.

For the unversed, MI captain Hardik Pandya had scored 11 (17) in a 197-run chase against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium a week ago. When Pandya had walked in to bat, his team needed 89 runs in seven overs to win the match. Pandya, who batted at a strike rate of 64.70, was dismissed with Indians needing 73 runs in three overs.

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