IPL 2025: Ashish Nehra and Rahul Tewatia Furious Over Rain Delay During MI vs GT Thriller at Wankhede

Introduction: The IPL MI vs GT Rain Delay Controversy

The IPL MI vs GT match at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium turned into a controversy-laden thriller after multiple rain interruptions pushed the game beyond midnight. The high-stakes encounter between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans on Tuesday night was marred by two rain delays, with the second stoppage sparking visible frustration from Gujarat Titans’ coach Ashish Nehra and all-rounder Rahul Tewatia, who were seen expressing their displeasure with the match officials’ handling of the situation.

As the IPL 2025 season reaches its critical phase with teams jostling for playoff positions, every match and decision carries significant weight. The rain delay during the MI vs GT clash became particularly contentious when umpires appeared to take an extended time to restart play, despite the rain having visibly stopped at the venue. This IPL MI vs GT rain delay incident became a talking point that overshadowed what eventually turned into one of the season’s most dramatic finishes.

Ashish Nehra and Rahul Tewatia’s Reaction to Umpires’ Decision

The second rain interruption, occurring just before midnight, pushed everyone’s patience to the limit, especially that of Gujarat Titans’ camp. Ashish Nehra, known for his animated coaching style and passion for the game, was visibly furious as umpires kept delaying the restart despite conditions appearing playable. Television cameras captured Nehra’s intense expressions and animated conversations with match officials as the restart time was repeatedly pushed back from 12:09 AM to 12:25 AM and finally to 12:30 AM Wednesday.

Gujarat Titans’ batter Rahul Tewatia joined his coach in expressing frustration, with cameras catching him gesturing towards the sky and seemingly asking “where is rain?” The IPL MI vs GT rain delay incident quickly went viral on social media, with fans sharing clips of both Nehra and Tewatia’s reactions. Their frustration appeared to stem from the perception that the delay might disadvantage their team in what was developing into a crucial match.

Match Analysis: Rain-Affected Thriller at Wankhede Stadium

The IPL MI vs GT match itself was a pendulum of shifting fortunes, with the rain interruptions adding further drama to an already nail-biting contest. Before the controversial rain delay, Gujarat Titans had mounted a clinical bowling performance followed by a strong batting display that had put them in a commanding position. Their well-executed strategy had neutralized Mumbai Indians’ batting lineup and they appeared to be cruising toward victory.

However, in a dramatic turn of events following the first rain break, Mumbai Indians fought back brilliantly through Jasprit Bumrah’s hostile bowling spell. Bumrah, showcasing his world-class skills, claimed the crucial wickets of Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill and middle-order power-hitter Shahrukh Khan. Mumbai’s resurgence was further boosted by timely wickets from Trent Boult and Ashwani Kumar, tilting the momentum in favor of the home team.

The DLS method came into play due to the rain interruptions, adjusting Gujarat Titans’ target to 147 runs from 19 overs. This recalculation added another layer of complexity to an already tense chase. The rain-affected nature of the match meant that every ball and decision gained heightened significance, contributing to the visible frustration from the Gujarat Titans’ dugout during the extended rain delay.

GT’s Victory: The Dramatic Final Over After Midnight

When play finally resumed after the contentious IPL MI vs GT rain delay, the match had reached its climactic stage with Gujarat Titans needing 15 runs from the final over to secure victory. The clock had ticked well past midnight, with players returning to the field at around 12:30 AM for what would become one of the most dramatic finishes of IPL 2025.

In the decisive over bowled by Deepak Chahar, Rahul Tewatia – who had earlier expressed frustration during the rain delay – stepped up when it mattered most. Tewatia started the over with a commanding boundary, immediately putting pressure on the Mumbai Indians. The momentum further shifted when Gerald Coetzee hammered a crucial six, bringing the equation down to a manageable run-a-ball situation.

The drama intensified when Chahar bowled a no-ball, from which Gujarat Titans scored two runs. With the scores level and victory in sight, another twist followed as Chahar managed to dismiss Coetzee. This set up a nerve-wracking final ball with one run still needed for victory. In the final moment of drama, a failed run-out attempt at the non-striker’s end sealed Gujarat Titans’ thrilling three-wicket victory via the DLS method.

Key Turning Points in the IPL MI vs GT Match

Several pivotal moments defined this rain-affected encounter beyond the controversial IPL MI vs GT rain delay. Gujarat Titans’ initial bowling performance set the tone for their strong position early in the match. Their bowlers executed their plans effectively, restricting Mumbai Indians’ formidable batting lineup and gaining an early advantage in the contest.

The first major shift in momentum came through Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling spell for Mumbai Indians. Bumrah, displaying his trademark precision and variations, dismantled Gujarat Titans’ middle order just when they appeared to be cruising toward victory. His removal of Shubman Gill, in particular, created pressure that nearly turned the match in Mumbai’s favor.

The rain interruptions themselves constituted significant turning points, disrupting the flow of the game and forcing tactical recalibrations from both teams. The DLS adjustment meant that Gujarat Titans had to readjust their approach to the chase, adding strategic complexity during the crucial final phases of the match.

Ultimately, Rahul Tewatia’s composure in the final over proved decisive. Despite his earlier frustration with the umpires during the rain delay, Tewatia channeled his emotions effectively when it mattered most, delivering the crucial boundary that set up Gujarat Titans’ dramatic victory.

Implications for Team Standings and Playoffs Race

The outcome of this thrilling IPL MI vs GT encounter had significant implications for the points table and the race to the playoffs. With this victory, Gujarat Titans surged to the top of the points table, positioning themselves favorably for a playoff berth. The win demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, qualities essential for success in the tournament’s knockout stages.

For Mumbai Indians, the defeat ended their impressive streak of six consecutive victories, potentially complicating their playoff qualification scenario. Despite the loss, their remarkable comeback in the match showcased their fighting spirit and the quality of their bowling attack, factors that will be crucial in their remaining fixtures.

The controversy surrounding the IPL MI vs GT rain delay could potentially lead to discussions about standardizing protocols for weather interruptions in the IPL. The visible frustration from Ashish Nehra and Rahul Tewatia highlighted the high stakes involved and the impact that such delays can have on team momentum and match outcomes.

Conclusion: A Memorable Midnight Finish

The IPL MI vs GT match at Wankhede Stadium will be remembered not just for the controversial rain delay that agitated Ashish Nehra and Rahul Tewatia, but also for its dramatic midnight finish and the resilience shown by Gujarat Titans. Despite the frustrations with the umpires’ decisions regarding the rain delay, Gujarat Titans maintained their composure when it mattered most, executing skillfully in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the final over.

This encounter epitomized the unpredictable and dramatic nature of IPL cricket, where weather interruptions, umpiring decisions, and momentum shifts can all influence the outcome of matches. The passion displayed by Ashish Nehra and Rahul Tewatia during the rain delay reflected the high stakes and competitive spirit that define the tournament.

As the IPL 2025 season progresses toward its conclusion, this match will stand as a testament to Gujarat Titans’ ability to overcome adversity and Mumbai Indians’ fighting spirit even in defeat. Beyond the result, the controversy surrounding the IPL MI vs GT rain delay serves as a reminder of cricket’s ongoing balance between human judgment, playing conditions, and the competitive demands of modern franchise cricket.