Sunil Gavaskar Slams Deepak Chahar’s No-Ball Blunder: “Simply No Excuse” in Critical MI vs GT Match

Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has delivered an uncompromising critique of Mumbai Indians pacer Deepak Chahar following a costly no-ball during the final over of their IPL 2025 encounter against Gujarat Titans. The former India captain, known for his forthright analysis, declared there was “simply no excuse” for such a fundamental error from a professional cricketer, especially in a match-defining moment that significantly contributed to Mumbai Indians’ defeat.

Match Context: MI vs GT Thriller

The highly anticipated Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans clash at the Wankhede Stadium unfolded as a dramatic, rain-interrupted encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The match featured multiple disruptions due to inclement weather, creating a challenging environment for both teams as they navigated the stop-start nature of the contest.

Mumbai Indians, batting first, posted a competitive total of 155/8 in their allotted overs, with Will Jacks contributing a vital 53 runs. Despite the modest target, the rain interruptions and resulting Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method adjustments created a tense chase scenario that ultimately culminated in a nail-biting final over where Gujarat Titans needed 15 runs for victory.

The match represented a crucial opportunity for both teams in their playoff qualification journey. For Mumbai Indians, securing a home victory would have significantly boosted their chances of advancing, while Gujarat Titans were looking to consolidate their position atop the points table with another win.

The Crucial Mistake: Chahar’s No-Ball Moment

The defining moment of the match occurred during the final over when Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya entrusted experienced pacer Deepak Chahar with defending 15 runs. Chahar’s over began with Rahul Tewatia smashing a boundary off the first delivery, immediately putting pressure on the bowler.

After a single brought Gerald Coetzee on strike, the South African allrounder hammered a massive six over long-on, dramatically shifting momentum toward Gujarat Titans. With just 4 runs needed from 3 balls, the critical error occurred when Chahar overstepped the bowling crease, delivering a no-ball that not only conceded an extra run but also provided Gujarat Titans with a free hit.

The pivotal moment when Deepak Chahar overstepped during the final over against Gujarat Titans, conceding a no-ball that significantly impacted the match outcome. Photo: IPL/BCCI

This costly transgression proved decisive as it eased Gujarat Titans’ path to victory. Although Chahar managed to dismiss Coetzee later in the over, the damage had already been done, with Arshad Khan ultimately scoring the winning run to complete Gujarat Titans’ dramatic one-wicket victory.

Gavaskar’s Reaction: “No Excuse for a Professional”

Sunil Gavaskar, renowned for his uncompromising standards and straightforward commentary, did not mince words when assessing Chahar’s error during the post-match analysis. The cricket legend’s criticism centered on what he considers a fundamental aspect of professional bowling discipline.

Gavaskar’s blunt assessment reflects his long-held belief that certain cricketing fundamentals are non-negotiable at the professional level. Front foot discipline, according to the former India captain, represents one of the most basic skills that should be mastered by any bowler competing at the elite level of the IPL.

The criticism carries particular weight coming from Gavaskar, one of cricket’s most respected voices and a figure renowned for his technical excellence and mental discipline during his playing career. His commentary suggests that while the pressure of a final over is understood, it does not justify errors in fundamental bowling technique.

Match Impact: How the No-Ball Changed the Game

The no-ball’s impact on the match outcome cannot be overstated. At the moment of Chahar’s overstep, Gujarat Titans needed 4 runs from 3 balls—already a challenging but achievable target for Mumbai Indians to defend. The no-ball instantly reduced the equation to 3 runs from 3 balls plus a free hit, dramatically tilting the odds in Gujarat Titans’ favor.

Beyond the mathematical impact, the psychological shift following the no-ball was evident. Mumbai Indians’ fielders appeared deflated, while Gujarat Titans’ dugout visibly gained confidence. This momentum swing, triggered by what Sunil Gavaskar deemed an inexcusable error, effectively sealed Mumbai Indians’ fate in a match they had fought hard to stay competitive in despite the challenging conditions.

Points Table Impact and Playoff Implications

The victory propelled Gujarat Titans to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, strengthening their position as serious contenders for the championship. With 8 wins from 11 matches, they have accumulated 16 points and established a two-point lead over second-placed Rajasthan Royals.

For Mumbai Indians, the defeat represents a significant setback in their playoff qualification hopes. Now with just 4 wins from 11 matches, they find themselves in a precarious position requiring not only a perfect record in their remaining games but also favorable results from other matches to have any chance of advancing to the playoffs.

The loss is particularly painful given how close they came to victory—a situation where Deepak Chahar’s no-ball stands out as a pivotal moment that potentially altered their tournament trajectory. Had they secured this win, Mumbai Indians would have moved to 10 points, keeping them firmly in the playoff race.

Captain’s Perspective: Shubman Gill’s Comments

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill acknowledged the chaotic nature of the chase during his post-match interview, highlighting the challenges posed by the multiple rain interruptions and changing conditions at the Wankhede Stadium.

Gill’s comments underscore the exceptional mental fortitude demonstrated by Gujarat Titans throughout the disrupted match. The captain’s reference to the “Test match” atmosphere highlights how the team had to adjust their T20 approach to accommodate the unusual playing conditions while maintaining focus despite the stop-start nature of the contest.

While Gill didn’t directly address Chahar’s no-ball, his emphasis on securing the win regardless of the chaotic circumstances reflects the opportunistic mindset of championship-caliber teams—capitalizing on opponents’ errors while minimizing their own under pressure.

This thrilling contest between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans serves as a powerful reminder of cricket’s unforgiving nature at the professional level. As Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism emphasizes, even momentary lapses in fundamental discipline can have match-defining consequences, especially in the high-stakes environment of IPL cricket where margins between victory and defeat are often razor-thin.

For Deepak Chahar and Mumbai Indians, this difficult lesson comes at a significant cost to their playoff aspirations, while Gujarat Titans continue their impressive march toward securing a top playoff position, demonstrating the resilience and opportunism that has characterized their successful IPL 2025 campaign.

Published: May 8, 2025