Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron slammed Hardik Pandya’s plans during IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, where Mumbai Indians lost to Punjab Kings. It was the first time in IPL history that MI couldn't defend a target over 200 runs. They scored 203/7 but couldn't hold their nerve. Their bowlers struggled to execute their plans, and Shreyas Iyer's brilliant 41-ball 87* helped Punjab reach the final with one over to go.

The game was unusual because Jasprit Bumrah didn't make much impact. He ended up wicketless, giving away 40 runs in his four overs. Trent Boult also had a tough game. He did take Prabhsimran Singh’s wicket but finished with 1/38. Skipper Pandya's strategy also failed. Giving Ashwani Kumar the last over when 23 runs were needed in two overs turned out to be a mistake. Shreyas finished the game in the 19th over.

Aaron was critical of Pandya for not bowling his full four overs. He pointed out Hardik’s past experience at Narendra Modi Stadium.

"He only bowled two overs. I don’t get why he didn’t bowl four overs, especially since he's done well on this pitch before. He was hard to score off, especially in his first over. Yeah, he gave some runs in the second, but he should have kept going. His plans are good—slow balls, bouncers. He should’ve stuck with them," Aaron told ESPNCricinfo.

There's no reason to hold back on giving Santner his four overs

Hardik took an important wicket, dismissing Josh Inglish after Inglish hit 20 runs off Bumrah’s over. However, Hardik only bowled two overs in the game. Mitchell Santner was another key bowler who didn’t get to complete his full four-over spell. He was very economical, giving up just 15 runs in his two overs. Aaron was surprised when Hardik decided to hold back Santner’s last two overs. Santner had done a good job in his first spell, so it seemed odd to pull him out now. "Santner was bowling so well. He was doing exactly what we needed. There was no reason not to let him finish his four overs," Aaron said.

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