Mumbai Indians’ (MI) dominant bowling performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025 has sparked heated debate, with fans questioning if the match was fixed.
A bizarre incident involving SRH’s Ishan Kishan’s dismissal in the third over has fueled speculation, casting a shadow over MI’s clinical victory.
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During MI’s fiery bowling spell, Deepak Chahar delivered the first ball of the third over to Ishan Kishan. Social media erupted as replays showed the ball missing both Kishan’s bat and body.
Surprisingly, Kishan began walking back to the pavilion without any appeal from MI’s players, except captain Hardik Pandya. Neither Chahar nor wicketkeeper Naman Dhir signaled an appeal, leaving the umpire visibly confused. After a brief pause, the umpire raised his finger, declaring Kishan out for one run, reducing SRH to 12/2.
Fans flooded platforms like X, calling the dismissal “suspicious” and questioning Kishan’s decision to leave the crease. “No contact, no appeal, yet Ishan walks? This screams match-fixing,” one user posted. Others speculated if Kishan misjudged the ball’s trajectory or acted under pressure.
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Match-Fixing Allegations
The lack of MI’s appeal, except from Pandya, has intensified scrutiny. Critics argue that Kishan’s unnecessary exit, coupled with SRH’s early collapse to 15/4, suggests foul play. “Why would a batsman walk without reason? MI’s silence makes it look scripted,” another fan tweeted. Some pointed to MI’s history of strong performances, questioning if their dominance was natural or orchestrated.
However, defenders of MI argue the team’s bowling prowess, led by Chahar (3/24) and Trent Boult (3/28), reflects their return to form. “MI’s bowlers were unplayable. Kishan’s walk could be a mental error, not a fix,” a supporter commented. Heinrich Klaasen’s 71 and Abhinav Manohar’s 43 later stabilized SRH, setting MI a 144-run target, which some say counters fixing claims.
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Official Response Awaited
BCCI and IPL officials have yet to comment on the controversy. Umpires’ decisions in IPL are supported by technologies like UltraEdge and DRS, but no review was called in this case, as Kishan walked voluntarily. The incident has reignited discussions about transparency in cricket, with fans demanding clarity.
MI’s Form or Foul Play?
MI’s bowling dismantled SRH’s top order, with Jasprit Bumrah and Pandya also contributing wickets. Their disciplined attack restricted SRH to the season’s lowest powerplay score of 24/4. While some see this as MI rediscovering their championship mojo, others remain skeptical, citing Kishan’s dismissal as a red flag.
Read more: Mumbai Indians Dominate Sunrisers Hyderabad with Fiery Bowling in IPL 2025 Clash
What do you think? Is MI back to their best, or does this incident hint at something deeper? Share your thoughts below!