Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Mumbai Indians’ tactical call to bring Mayank Markande into the attack right when Rajat Patidar arrived at the crease, describing it as a puzzling move that favoured Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ashwin highlighted that Patidar is widely known for his dominance against spin, making the decision even more questionable in a crucial phase of the game.

The moment came in the 12th over when Hardik Pandya reintroduced Markande despite the leg-spinner conceding 20 runs in his first over. It quickly turned into a one-sided battle. After taking strike from Virat Kohli, Patidar smashed three consecutive sixes, including an audacious reverse switch hit over point. The over once again cost 20 runs, pushing RCB to 144/1 and firmly shifting momentum in their favour.

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Reflecting on the decision, Ashwin drew parallels with a previous IPL encounter where Patidar had taken Markande apart. “Rajat Patidar is a monster hitter against spinners and when he came into bat, you gave the ball straight to Mayank Markande. We have to understand what is going on in Markande’s mind.”

“He had beaten him to a pulp in Hyderabad, and when Patidar came in, he was given the ball straightaway. Very, very, very, very average. My head started spinning. This was the difference between 210 and 240.”

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Rajat Patidar went on to register consecutive fifties, striking five sixes at a blistering strike rate of 265. Meanwhile, Markande’s struggles continued, as he remains wicketless this season. Ashwin also pointed out that despite boasting a strong squad, the Mumbai Indians have struggled to deliver consistent performances in recent IPL seasons.