Watch: Tilak Varma slams six to shift gears in GT vs MI IPL 2026 clash

The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians are under pressure in the mid-season of the IPL 2026, while they are facing the hosts Gujarat Titans on Monday night (April 20) in a crucial fixture. Once again, MI batting went under pressure; however, Tilak Varma rescued the team with a fantastic batting performance. 

After winning their first game of the season, as Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders at home, MI suffered four consecutive defeats. The five-time IPL champions are now struggling in 10th place in the points table with just two points, as they need some back-to-back wins to breathe in the points table. 

In the match against Gujarat Titans, after MI were sent to bat first, the visitors were under pressure. However, Tilak Varma guided the team to a strong a first innings total with his solid batting performance. In 14 overs, MI were batting at 103/4, where Tilak scored 19 off 22 balls. Tilak started the 15th over with a six to Prasidh Krishna, while he then hit two back-to-back fours, and it produced the starter for the MI innings, as Tilak dominated in the slog overs. 

MI lost three wickets in powerplay

MI batting were under pressure at the beginning as they lost three wickets in the powerplay. The visitors scored 46 for three at the end of the powerplay. While Naman Dhir controlled the early stage, scoring 45 off 32 balls, Tilak Varma dominated the slog overs. 

Tilak Varma slams century to set strong first innings total

After completing 50 runs in 33 balls, Tilak recorded his maiden IPL century in just 45 balls. With the help of eight fours and seven sixes, Tilak scored 101 not out. His powerful batting helped MI to score 199/5 in 20 overs, where only Tilak and Naman managed to reach the 20-run mark.