![\"IPL](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130400894,imgsize-212606,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/ipl-2026-gt-vs-mi.jpg\" "\\"Mumbai")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMumbai Indians\u2019 emphatic 99-run win over Gujarat Titans was defined by Tilak Varma<\/a>\u2019s brilliance, but skipper Hardik Pandya<\/a> made it clear that a key tactical call with the ball also played a decisive role. One of the biggest talking points was the decision to hand the new ball to Jasprit Bumrah<\/a>, a move that paid off instantly as he struck with the very first delivery to remove Sai Sudharsan. It was also a significant moment for Bumrah personally, as this was his first wicket of the season, coming in his sixth match. Addressing the long-standing question around why Bumrah does not usually bowl the first over, Hardik offered a clear explanation. \u201cI\u2019ve seen a lot of people go, why Jassie has never bowled. But if you see, it\u2019s been 138 [151] appearances and I think 8 or 9 times Jasprit has bowled the first over. So I don\u2019t think it\u2019s a Hardik Pandya problem.\u201d He emphasised that Bumrah\u2019s role is defined by impact rather than convention. \u201cIt\u2019s just that Jasprit Bumrah is so special that you use him wherever it\u2019s required for the team, not when you start. But yeah, today was something we realized, that we really want to make an impact with the new ball, and no one\u2019s better than him.\u201d That early breakthrough set the tone for MI\u2019s dominance, as GT never recovered from the blow and were eventually bowled out for 100. Hardik also highlighted how crucial the win was for the group, especially given their struggles this season and the challenge of playing in Ahmedabad. \u201cIt\u2019s always challenging to go away and win. Ahmedabad has been something which is very tough for us as the Mumbai Indians. And yeah, we just played good cricket. It feels very special because it was much needed.\u201d The MI captain was equally vocal about the turning point with the bat, revealing how his message to Tilak Varma during the strategic break was simple and direct. \u201cI realized the kind of talent Tilak has, he really does not need to worry about a lot. The only message I kept telling him was that you\u2019re gonna just watch the ball and hit the ball irrespective of what. I genuinely believe the kind of ball striking from his bat is something really special.\u201d Hardik admitted the intensity of the moment, saying, \u201cA couple of times I went so loud that I kind of got dizzy. But it was much needed for the group, for Tilak, and for Mumbai Indians.\u201d He reserved special praise for the younger players who stepped up in a must-win game. \u201cReally amazing by the youngsters. Mumbai Indians needed that as a group. The debutant Krish, coming and bowling right areas, showing the right intent. Ashwani coming and bowling, really amazing, taking 4-fers. He changed the momentum for us. Special mention to Naman as well.\u201d For Hardik, this was more than just a win. It felt like a shift in momentum.<\/div>\n