Tilak Varma said his unbeaten century came from reading the match conditions early and then making the right adjustments as the innings progressed. After his 101* helped Mumbai Indians register a 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, he also projected confidence that the franchise could become “unstoppable” from here if they keep executing their plans well, pointing to the experience and World Cup winners in their squad.
Tilak Varma on adapting to Ahmedabad conditions
- Tilak explained that, heading into the game, he had not spent much time in the middle in recent outings, and that he wanted to first settle at the crease before reacting to the situation.
- He said he assessed the pitch early and decided to focus on straight hitting rather than trying to force the ball off the line.
- Reflecting on Ahmedabad’s usual character for Mumbai Indians, he noted that the wicket often carries black-soil traits—typically slower and more sluggish in pace—so batters must shape their approach accordingly.
- He added that while it is possible to adapt, the key is knowing what the team can do when there is limited bounce, and that this match demanded more caution around playing across the line.
- With the surface described as slow and low, Tilak said he tried to keep his shots straighter because deliveries arriving in line with the stumps made lateral movement a risky option.
- He concluded that once he trusted the conditions and stuck to that plan, the runs followed—allowing him to reach his match-winning hundred.
Batting position preference and mindset for the turnaround
When asked about where he enjoys batting, Tilak said he prefers the number three spot, though he remains comfortable wherever the team requires him. He shared that even from childhood he has practised in a way that helps him play confidently in any position, but if given a direct choice, he would always pick No. 3.
With the win lifting Mumbai Indians to seventh place in the standings, Tilak pointed to the importance of maintaining momentum without getting carried away by the bigger picture. He stressed that every match feels close to a knockout for them at this stage, and that the squad knows what it is capable of due to the presence of World Cup winners and seasoned players, along with the skills they bring to the table.
Tilak reiterated that if they execute well, they can become “unstoppable,” urging the group to stay grounded, keep their heads down, and continue working hard match after match.
Light moment with Hardik Pandya during a timeout
In a lighter exchange during the contest’s pause, Tilak recalled an interaction with captain Hardik Pandya. He said Hardik was extremely energetic and repeatedly encouraged him with the message, “You can do it, you will do it,” to spur confidence. Tilak responded by asking him to calm down so he could remain focused, adding that he would handle the rest from there.
