In a heart-stopping moment during the Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash at Wankhede, Tilak Varma launched a fierce straight drive off Bhuvneshwar Kumar that not only fetched a much-needed boundary but also sent the on-field umpire scrambling for cover.
The dramatic incident occurred during the 16th over of MI’s innings, as Tilak, batting on 42*, cleared his front leg to thump a length delivery “straight as an arrow.” The ball came rocketing down the pitch, nearly taking the umpire with it. In a quick reflex action, the umpire ducked just in time to avoid getting hit, crouching low as the ball whizzed above his head and raced away to the boundary.
Commentators and fans alike were left stunned, with many praising both Tilak’s power and the umpire’s presence of mind. The moment has since gone viral, with fans sharing clips and memes of the umpire’s Matrix-style escape.
At the end of 16 overs, Mumbai Indians were 170/4, needing 52 runs off 24 balls, with Tilak Varma on 46 off 23 and Hardik Pandya unbeaten on 34 off just 10 deliveries. The momentum had clearly swung back toward MI, thanks to this aggressive partnership – and the umpire may have just survived the shot of the night!