Mumbai Indians finally stopped their poor start in IPL 2026 with a strong 99-run win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, a result captain Hardik Pandya described as "much-needed for the group" after four defeats and a difficult record at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The victory was built on a fierce late surge with the bat and a sharp new-ball burst, as Tilak Varma struck his maiden IPL century and Jasprit Bumrah opened the bowling for the first time in two seasons, helping the Mumbai Indians control both innings against the Gujarat Titans from key moments.
Tilak Verma's Ton
Tilak was central to the Mumbai Indians' turnaround against the Gujarat Titans, striking 101 not out from 45 deliveries. The innings contained eight fours and seven sixes. Mumbai Indians thrashed
by 73 runs in the last four overs and reached 200, leaving Gujarat Titans facing a steep chase in this IPL 2026 contest.
Earlier, the Mumbai Indians had looked under pressure in IPL 2026, but Tilak steadied the innings during an 81-run stand with Hardik Pandya. Hardik later dismissed Jos Buttler, contributing with the ball as well, which made the all-round display useful for the Mumbai Indians while they tried to arrest their losing streak.
Mumbai Indians IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya's Message To Tilak Varma
Hardik praised Tilak's talent and revealed the simple advice given in the middle. "The kind of talent that Tilak has, he really does not need to worry about a lot," Hardik said on the broadcast. "So the only message I kept telling him [was that] you've got to watch the ball and hit the ball irrespective of what [it's doing], because I genuinely believe the [way] the ball travels from his bat is something really special.
"It was about time that he came and delivered. I think a couple of times, I went so loud [shouting in the dugout] that I kind of got dizzy. But it was much-needed for the group; it was much-needed for Tilak; it was much-needed for the Mumbai Indians; and as a captain as well [I needed] that kind of energy to change things around. "
Mumbai Indians IPL 2026: Jasprit Bumrah's Impactful First Over
Once Tilak's hitting was done, Jasprit Bumrah imposed himself with the new ball. Bowling the first over in the IPL for the first time since 2022, Bumrah removed B Sai Sudharsan with the opening delivery, immediately denting the Gujarat Titans' chase and giving the Mumbai Indians the early control they wanted.
Bumrah usually operates later in the powerplay or at the death. This was only the seventh time he had taken the first over in 151 IPL matches, and the 16th occasion across 276 T20 games. Hardik explained that the Mumbai Indians used Bumrah up front because they "really wanted to make an impact with the new ball".
Hardik underlined Bumrah's flexibility and value. "It's just that Jasprit Bumrah is so special that you use him whenever he's required for the team. Not when you start. But today we realised that we really want to make an impact with the new ball and no one's better than him. "
Hardik also addressed questions around Bumrah's usual role. "It's quite fascinating," Hardik said, "I've seen a lot of people ask why Jassi has never bowled [the first over], but if you see, I think eight or nine times [seven] Jassi has bowled the first over. So, I don't think it's a Hardik Pandya problem. It's just that Jasprit Bumrah is so special that you use him whenever he's required for the team. Not when you start. But today we realised that we really want to make an impact with the new ball and no one's better than him. "
