NEW DELHI: Tilak Varma highligted the importance of anchoring an innings after his maiden IPL century powered Mumbai Indians to a commanding 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Coming into the contest on the back of four consecutive defeats, MI needed a statement performance, and Tilak delivered in emphatic fashion with an unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls. His knock rescued the visitors from early trouble and propelled them to a formidable 199/5, which proved far beyond GT’s reach.
Reflecting on his innings and the significance of the result, Tilak emphasised both personal and team objectives.
“It was very important for the team and for me. Over the last four or five games, the one thing constantly running through my head was that I hadn’t spent much time in the middle and hadn’t faced many balls, so my aim was to spend some time at the wicket and then adapt according to the team’s situation. I am grateful that it worked out that way, ” the batter told JioStar.
Having steadied the innings alongside Naman Dhir after MI were rocked early by Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell, Tilak then accelerated dramatically in the latter half, ensuring MI finished with a total that put the hosts under immense pressure. However, the left-hander stressed the need for consistency as the tournament progresses.