Ever since being an integral member of India’s T20 World Cup title defence, Tilak Varma had endured a quiet run in the Indian Premier League. On Wednesday, however, after rediscovering his touch and helping Mumbai Indians snap a four-match losing streak, Tilak offered a glimpse into the contrasting captaincy styles he has experienced this season.
“To be honest, Surya (Suryakumar Yadav, India captain) was a bit tactical. And Hardik bhai (Pandya), he always backs the players and himself. If you see the last game, he was saying ‘you will do it, you will do it’ and show it,” Tilak said ahead of MI’s clash against Chennai Super Kings.
“Many people have asked me what Hardik was talking to you. He keeps motivating the players. He motivates the players with his energy. Hardik bhai’s captaincy is the same. It’s kind of that energy. And Surya bhai is more into the tactical side. So, both are good in their aspects. And I am enjoying Surya bhai’s captaincy and I am enjoying Hardik bhai’s captaincy as well.”
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Tilak’s words came on the back of a defining knock in Ahmedabad, where he hammered an unbeaten 101 off 47 balls — an innings that turned the tide after a slow start of 19 off 22 deliveries.
He credited Rohit Sharma for helping him navigate the early phase. “I was talking especially with Rohit Bhai. He was saying to me that, we know and everyone knows what you can do after playing those 15-20 balls, so just do this,” Tilak said.
“Don’t look at the situation. Don’t look at anything. First, play 15 balls. And after that, whatever happens, we’ll see. That gave me confidence.”
Published on Apr 22, 2026
![GT vs MI IPL 2026: Tilak’s maiden century helps Mumbai Indians snap four game losing streak Tilak Varma found his form when it mattered most, producing a scintillating maiden IPL century to power Mumbai Indians to a commanding 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Monday.After a string of underwhelming outings, Tilak began cautiously before shifting gears dramatically, finishing unbeaten on 101 off 45 balls (8×4, 7×6).Much to the delight of a 40,000-strong crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium, he went on a rampage in the final six overs, smashing 82 runs off just 23 deliveries. Mumbai Indians plundered 96 runs in that phase to post a formidable 199 for five and seize complete control of the contest.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]Tilak led the charge with ruthless precision, hammering 26 runs in an over from Ashok Sharma before dismantling Prasidh Krishna with calculated aggression.He reached his century with a boundary off the final ball of the innings, his animated celebration reflecting both relief and redemption. The knock also equalled the joint-fastest hundred for MI, matching Sanath Jayasuriya.In response, Gujarat Titans faltered early and never recovered. Jasprit Bumrah struck with the very first ball, removing Sai Sudharsan, and the middle order failed to deliver.With Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill falling cheaply, the chase lost direction as wickets fell at regular intervals. The Titans were eventually bowled out for 100, unable to mount any sustained resistance.ALSO READ:IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad hosts Delhi Capitals in clash of aggression and pragmatismIt was a dominant show from the Mumbai bowlers. Mitchell Santner marked his return with two key wickets, removing Washington Sundar and Glenn Phillips, while Impact substitute Ashwani Kumar kept the pressure on with four wickets. With the bowlers maintaining discipline, the Titans’ fragile middle-order was exposed once again.Earlier, Mumbai’s innings began shakily. Debutant Danish Malewar lasted just four deliveries, while Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav also fell early, leaving it at 45 for three in the Powerplay. Kagiso Rabada remained the biggest threat, consistently breaching the 150kph mark .However, the recovery was orchestrated by Naman Dhir, whose composed 45 laid the platform in a 52-run stand with Tilak Varma. Tilak then took complete control, while skipper Hardik Pandya provided stability in an 81-run stand, ensuring MI returned to winning ways after four successive defeats.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #IPL #Tilaks #maiden #century #helps #Mumbai #Indians #snap #game #losing #streak](https://i3.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/a3c5kk/article70886003.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/VIS_0109.JPG?ssl=1 "GT vs MI IPL 2026: Tilak’s maiden century helps Mumbai Indians snap four game losing streak Tilak Varma found his form when it mattered most, producing a scintillating maiden IPL century to power Mumbai Indians to a commanding 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Monday.After a string of underwhelming outings, Tilak began cautiously before shifting gears dramatically, finishing unbeaten on 101 off 45 balls (8×4, 7×6).Much to the delight of a 40,000-strong crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium, he went on a rampage in the final six overs, smashing 82 runs off just 23 deliveries. Mumbai Indians plundered 96 runs in that phase to post a formidable 199 for five and seize complete control of the contest.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]Tilak led the charge with ruthless precision, hammering 26 runs in an over from Ashok Sharma before dismantling Prasidh Krishna with calculated aggression.He reached his century with a boundary off the final ball of the innings, his animated celebration reflecting both relief and redemption. The knock also equalled the joint-fastest hundred for MI, matching Sanath Jayasuriya.In response, Gujarat Titans faltered early and never recovered. Jasprit Bumrah struck with the very first ball, removing Sai Sudharsan, and the middle order failed to deliver.With Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill falling cheaply, the chase lost direction as wickets fell at regular intervals. The Titans were eventually bowled out for 100, unable to mount any sustained resistance.ALSO READ:IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad hosts Delhi Capitals in clash of aggression and pragmatismIt was a dominant show from the Mumbai bowlers. Mitchell Santner marked his return with two key wickets, removing Washington Sundar and Glenn Phillips, while Impact substitute Ashwani Kumar kept the pressure on with four wickets. With the bowlers maintaining discipline, the Titans’ fragile middle-order was exposed once again.Earlier, Mumbai’s innings began shakily. Debutant Danish Malewar lasted just four deliveries, while Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav also fell early, leaving it at 45 for three in the Powerplay. Kagiso Rabada remained the biggest threat, consistently breaching the 150kph mark .However, the recovery was orchestrated by Naman Dhir, whose composed 45 laid the platform in a 52-run stand with Tilak Varma. Tilak then took complete control, while skipper Hardik Pandya provided stability in an 81-run stand, ensuring MI returned to winning ways after four successive defeats.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #IPL #Tilaks #maiden #century #helps #Mumbai #Indians #snap #game #losing #streak")