Tilak Varma Tells Hardik Pandya to ‘Calm Down’ as Mumbai Indians Star Reflects on Match-Winning Century vs Gujarat Titans
Tilak Varma opened up about a fiery mid-innings exchange with Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya during their dominant 99-run win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, revealing how the captain’s intense energy actually helped him shift gears and deliver a match-winning performance.
Tilak produced a stunning unbeaten 101 off 45 balls, steering MI to a commanding total of 199/5 after early wickets had put the team under pressure. The knock not only ended Mumbai Indians’ four-match losing streak but also re-established their campaign momentum in IPL 2026.
Speaking after the match, Tilak stressed how important it was for him to spend time at the crease before accelerating.
“It was very important for the team and for me. I hadn’t spent much time in the middle in the last few games, so my aim was to settle in and then play according to the situation,” he said.
He added that once he got his eye in, he focused on adapting to the slow Ahmedabad surface and playing straighter rather than across the line, which proved decisive in his explosive finish.
However, one of the most talked-about moments from the innings came during an animated exchange with skipper Hardik Pandya. Known for his high-energy presence on the field, Pandya constantly encouraged Tilak from the sidelines.
“As everyone knows, Hardik bhai is very energetic. He kept saying, ‘You can do it, you will do it’ to motivate me. I just asked him to calm down because I needed to focus, and I told him I would handle it from there,” Tilak revealed.
The exchange highlighted the intensity of Mumbai Indians’ situation, with both players deeply invested in turning the season around.
Tilak then responded in the best possible way, accelerating sharply after a slow start of 19 off 22 balls. What followed was a breathtaking 82-run surge from just 23 deliveries, dismantling the Gujarat bowling attack and pushing MI well past a par total.
He also emphasised the importance of staying grounded despite the big win.
“Every game is like a knockout for us. We have experienced players and World Cup winners, but we need to stay focused and take it one match at a time,” he said.
Mumbai Indians backed up their batting brilliance with a clinical bowling display. Ashwani Kumar led the charge with a sensational 4/24, while Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar added crucial breakthroughs to bundle Gujarat Titans out for just 100 in 15.5 overs.
The victory not only revived Mumbai Indians’ season but also showcased Tilak Varma’s growing maturity as a middle-order mainstay capable of thriving under pressure.
