Mumbai Indians finally broke their slump with a dominant 99-run thrashing of Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, thanks to Tilak Varma’s explosive unbeaten 101. The Monday night clash at Narendra Modi Stadium ended MI’s four-match losing streak in IPL 2026, offering hope in a high-stakes season.
A key moment unfolded when Tilak and Hardik Pandya shared the crease. Hardik’s vocal motivation proved pivotal. In a candid post-match chat on JioHotstar, Tilak revealed, ‘Hardik bhai’s energy is infectious. He shouted, ‘You can do it, you will do it,’ to pump me up. I asked him to chill so I could concentrate and promised to take care of business.’
Tilak opened up about his mindset shift. ‘The past few matches left me frustrated with not lasting long enough at the wicket. I aimed to anchor and then accelerate based on the situation. This win was crucial for the team and me. We’re treating every game as do-or-die. Our lineup boasts World Cup heroes and top talent—if we bring our A-game, we’re unstoppable. Discipline and hard work are key now.’
On the tricky surface, he added, ‘Ahmedabad’s black soil pitch is sluggish with minimal bounce. We adapted by playing measured strokes and straight drives. Understanding the pace was vital. Number three suits me perfectly; it’s where I thrive, but team-first is my mantra.’
Riding on Tilak’s masterclass, MI racked up 199/5 and skittled GT for just 100. The youngster’s Player of the Match award underscores his growing stature, positioning MI for a fierce playoff push.
