Credit: IPL
More than a decade after his unforgettable last-ball six against Rajasthan Royals, Aditya Tare has reflected on that career-defining moment in a recent conversation with Star Sports. The IPL 2014 league stage finale saw Mumbai Indians chasing 190 in just 14.3 overs; a near-impossible task required to edge past RR on Net Run Rate. As the Wankhede crowd held its breath, Tare walked in with just one ball to spare and one option; hit a boundary, or MI’s season would end.
“Initially the thought was what is going to happen now, do we have a chance or its done?” Tare said, recalling the dramatic entry. “In the dugout they said we need a six… All I was thinking was, come what may, I just need to hit the ball out of the park.” Facing James Faulkner, he anticipated a yorker but received a full toss. Without hesitation, he swung it over fine leg for six. It was a golden strike both literally and figuratively sealing MI’s playoff qualification and triggering one of the most euphoric celebrations in IPL history.
It was a really satisfying moment: Aditya Tare recalls glorious night with Mumbai Indians
Tare’s shot not only lit up the Wankhede but also left a rare mark on the opposition. “I didn't see that at the time, but I've heard it from everyone: ‘We saw Rahul Dravid getting angry because of you,’” he revealed. The normally composed Rajasthan Royals mentor was visibly frustrated, reportedly throwing his cap in disbelief. Ricky Ponting, MI’s coach, leapt off his seat in jubilation. “It was chaos,” Tare recalled. “To make it to the playoffs from that situation, it was really a very satisfying moment.”
Looking back, Tare said, “Everybody had written us off,”. He added, “To pull it off in front of the home crowd made it even more special.” Though his IPL journey continued in various roles, that night in 2014 remains his most iconic. It wasn’t just about a match, it became a symbol of belief, timing, and seizing a fleeting opportunity when it mattered most.
