Image: MI snapped their losing streak, defending 205/5 to beat DC by 12 runs / © India Today
As the Mumbai Indians finally notched their second win of IPL 2025, defeating the Delhi Capitals by 12 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 13, a fresh debate erupted around the credit for the team’s turnaround. Mumbai posted 205/5, led by Tilak Varma’s 59 and vital knocks from Ryan Rickelton (41), Suryakumar Yadav (40), and Naman Dhir (38*). Despite Karun Nair’s blistering 89, Delhi fell short, collapsing for 193 thanks to three run-outs in the 19th over and Karn Sharma’s crucial spell that fetched three wickets.
Post-match, social media credited Rohit Sharma, who offered tactical advice during a timeout, for Mumbai’s win. However, former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar strongly defended captain Hardik Pandya’s role, stating the final decisions were his, regardless of suggestions from Rohit. They emphasized that leadership in crunch moments must be acknowledged, especially after the scrutiny Hardik has faced in this turbulent season.
Rohit, meanwhile, struggled again with the bat, scoring only 18. Despite being used as an Impact Player, his influence remains under the scanner. As the IPL season intensifies, the spotlight stays on Pandya’s leadership and whether he can steer MI further up the table after a rough start.