Pandya said that Tilak\u2019s knock was exactly what the team needed at the right moment. He highlighted that such performances were expected of a player of his talent and believed it was the right time for him to step up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe talent Tilak has, he does not need much advice. It was about time he came and delivered. It was much needed for the group, for Tilak and the Mumbai Indians,\u201d Pandya said after the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mumbai Indians put up a commanding total of 199\/5, built around Tilak\u2019s sensational unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls, a knock that also saw him equal the franchise record for the fastest century. Naman Dhir supported well with a crucial 45-run innings, helping MI recover after early setbacks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pandya also expressed satisfaction after the Mumbai Indians broke the four-match loss streak in IPL 2026.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cVery important. It is always challenging to go away and win. Also, Ahmedabad has not been a happy ground for the Mumbai Indians, so very satisfying,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defending the total, MI\u2019s bowlers dominated from the start. Jasprit Bumrah struck on the very first ball, while Pandya himself removed Jos Buttler early in the chase. The pressure never eased on the Gujarat Titans as wickets fell regularly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing questions around Bumrah\u2019s usage with the new ball, Pandya made it clear that it was a tactical choice. \u201cQuite fascinating, I have seen many people asking why Jassi hasn't bowled with the new ball, but he hasn't bowled with the new ball maybe 7 or 8 times, so it is not a Hardik Pandya problem, it is Jassi being special,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defending the total, MI\u2019s bowlers dominated from the start. Jasprit Bumrah struck on the very first ball, while Pandya himself removed Jos Buttler early in the chase. The pressure never eased on the Gujarat Titans as wickets fell regularly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, after the dominant win, the Mumbai Indians have moved up to seventh in the points table with four points from six matches. They will next face arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 23. <\/p>\r\n\r\n