New Delhi, April 5, 2025 – A close encounter between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians ended with high drama both on and off the field. After Mumbai fell short by 12 runs in a thrilling chase of 204, reports suggest team owner Akash Ambani expressed strong displeasure with skipper Hardik Pandya’s performance and leadership, hinting that he might be benched for the next game.
Mumbai’s Chase Falters Despite Suryakumar Yadav’s Heroics
Mumbai Indians began their chase of 204 without veteran opener Rohit Sharma, who was sidelined due to a knee injury. Replacements Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton failed to make an impact, both departing early and leaving Mumbai struggling at 17/2.
Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir offered hope with a solid 69-run stand. Dhir played a brisk innings of 46 off 24 balls, while Surya’s well-paced 67 off 43 kept MI in contention. But Surya’s dismissal shifted the momentum, leaving MI needing 61 runs off the last 5 overs.
Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan Seal Victory for Lucknow
With Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma at the crease and 29 runs required off the final two overs, Mumbai still had a fighting chance. However, Shardul Thakur delivered a game-changing 19th over, giving away just seven runs and putting immense pressure on MI.
Avesh Khan held his nerve in the 20th, defending 21 runs despite conceding a six off the first ball. His composed bowling clinched a thrilling 12-run win for Lucknow, pushing Mumbai further down the points table.
Akash Ambani’s Reported Reaction Raises Eyebrows
Post-match discussions took a dramatic turn as reports emerged that Mumbai Indians’ owner Akash Ambani confronted Hardik Pandya over his underwhelming captaincy and performance in the final overs. Sources close to the franchise suggest Ambani was visibly frustrated and hinted that Hardik might not feature in the next game, signaling potential leadership changes in upcoming fixtures.
Pandya, who has faced mounting scrutiny this season, now finds himself under pressure both for his tactical decisions and his own form with the bat and ball. The decision on his participation in the next game could have significant implications for Mumbai Indians’ campaign.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
