Gujarat Titans leapfrogged RCB, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians to go first in the IPL 2025 points table after their thrilling three-wicket win at the Wankhede.
While MI skipper Hardik Pandya took the blame for the loss, former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar singled out Deepak Chahar in his criticism during the final over.
The defeat was also a setback to MI's playoff chances, who are now in fourth place with 14 points, having played an extra game compared to the teams around them.
What happened in MI vs GT IPL 2025 match at the Wankhede?
Having managed to put a target of 156 on board, MI were aware that it was a below-par total at home. But with a strong bowling in the powerplay and a threat of rain, anything was possible.
📲 Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
And it happened, Trent Boult struck in his first over, removing the in-form Sai Sudharsan for just five runs. While Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler brought GT back in the game, both batters soon departed, leaving them at 113/3.
It was chaos after that - three wickets in quick time, and the visitors were reeling at 126/6. At the end of 18 overs, GT managed 132/6 before rain started pouring and the players were asked to leave the field.
With two overs left in the game, there was a long delay, but it was finally decided that the cut-off time would be revised to 12:30 a.m. The match was reduced to one over, with the chasing side needing 15 runs to win.
MI vs GT - Sunil Gavaskar relentless in criticism of Deepak Chahar
With Jasprit Bumrah, Boult having already bowled out their quota of four overs, MI entrusted Deepak Chahar with the decisive final over.
However, a slow overrate meant that MI were also penalised with one less fielder outside the circle against GT's Rahul Tewatia.
MI's next game | Wankhede pitch report | MI's record at Wankhede
The first ball saw Tewatia nailing the ball straight down the ground for a boundary. As the cameras panned to Chahar, Gavaskar immediately reacted, saying:
"Deepak Chahar's body language is not good. It can't be good after you've been hit for a boundary on the first ball."
A single in the next ball brought former MI allrounder Gerald Coetzee on strike. The Proteas swung his bat a ball later and dispatched it for a six as Gavaskar remarked, "As I said, the body language of Chahar wasn't good after the first ball."
Further, Chahar went on to overstep in the very next ball, leading to a no-ball and a free hit, a costly moment for the home side. This forced Gavaskar to add more criticism of Chahar.
HAPPY HOUR with MI: Get exclusive Happy Hour reload bonuses when you bet on IPL action, click here
Sunil Gavaskar slams Deepak Chahar for no-ball in crucial final over
Co-commentator Varun Aaron tried to play it down, saying that it was unfamiliar territory for Chahar, who bowls primarily in the powerplay. But, Gavaskar continued, saying:
"That is no excuse for a noball, let's make that very clear. He could be bowling the first over at the death, but it is no excuse for a professional cricketer. In a format where it is not only an extra delivery, run and a freehit, there is simply no excuse."
The final delivery saw Gavaskar once again pointing fingers at Chahar for failing to back up behind the stumps for a run-out.
With just 1 needed off 1 ball, Arshad Khan hit the ball straight to Hardik at mid-off, who missed the stumps with the batter well short of the non-striker's end.
As GT celebrated their victory, Gavaskar continued his vocal criticism of Chahar, highlighting the pacer's failure to back up for a potential run-out opportunity.
"Deepak Chahar should have made a move to get to the stumps. He was just standing at his follow-through. Even if the throw was not at the stumps, he could have collected it and maybe run the batter out."
Finally, Gavaskar concluded by offering some sympathy for Chahar, saying that it was always going to be difficult for a bowler to come in and bowl after a break.
However, he added that a no-ball during a crucial juncture was unacceptable.
"Yes, Tewatia the Iceman, hitting the first ball for a boundary and putting the pressure on Deepak Chahar turned the tables. It is never easy for a bowler to come in and bowl after a break, but to bowl a no-ball, that is not acceptable at all."
The home side were previously on a six-game winning streak with a healthy net run rate, the best in the league, and a win could have almost secured them a top-two finish. However, they will now have to put in the hard yards again.
BONUS: Click here to get exclusive sign-up bonuses and up to 200% cash boost when you bet on Mumbai Indians
Can MI qualify for the playoffs? Scenario explained
MI have two matches remaining in the IPL 18 season, with one of them scheduled to be played at the Wankhede.
Considering 16 points has been the benchmark for a team to qualify for the playoffs, MI currently needs at least one win out of two games to qualify.
BONUS: Click here to get exclusive sign-up bonuses and up to 200% cash boost when you bet
Finishing in the top-two might be difficult unless they win both their games, but they should comfortably seal a playoff spot, given their strong Net Run Rate.
MI upcoming fixtures, wins required, and chances of qualification
| Upcoming Fixtures | PBKS (A), DC (H) |
|---|---|
| Minimum wins required | 1 wins out of 2 |
| Chances of qualification | 70% |