Ahmedabad, April 21 (NationPress) Following a remarkable performance, Captain Hardik Pandya expressed admiration for star batter Tilak Varma, whose stunning century propelled the Mumbai Indians (MI) to a convincing 99-run victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday.

Pandya emphasized that Tilak's innings arrived at a crucial moment, noting that such displays are expected from a player of his caliber. He stated it was high time for Tilak to shine.

“With the talent Tilak possesses, he hardly requires guidance. It was about time he stepped up and delivered. This was essential for the team, for Tilak, and for the Mumbai Indians,” Pandya shared after the game.

The Mumbai Indians showcased an impressive total of 199/5, largely thanks to Tilak's sensational unbeaten 101 off just 45 deliveries, matching the franchise record for the fastest century. Naman Dhir also contributed significantly with a vital 45 runs, aiding MI in recovering from early challenges.

Pandya expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly as they halted a four-match losing streak in IPL 2026.

“It’s crucial. Winning away is always tough, and Ahmedabad hasn't been a favorable venue for us, so this is very gratifying,” he remarked.

During the defense of the total, MI's bowlers were relentless from the outset. Jasprit Bumrah made his mark with a wicket on the first ball, and Pandya himself dismissed Jos Buttler early in the innings. The pressure on the Gujarat Titans intensified as wickets continued to tumble.

When questioned about Bumrah's role with the new ball, Pandya clarified it was a strategic decision. “It’s interesting; many have asked why Jasprit hasn't bowled with the new ball. He has done so only 7 or 8 times. This isn't a Hardik Pandya issue; it’s about Jassi's unique abilities,” he explained.

The Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack performed exceptionally as a unit, with Ashwani Kumar leading the charge with figures of 4/24, while both Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar took two wickets each, dismantling the GT batting order. “It was all about bowling in the right areas with the right intent. The youngsters were truly impressive, and our fielding was spot on,” Pandya concluded, praising the overall team effort.

Following their dominant win, the Mumbai Indians have climbed to seventh place in the points table with four points from six matches. They are set to clash with their arch-rivals, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on April 23.