'To be honest...': After win vs PBKS, Tilak Varma reveals MI's strategy behind attacking Yuzvendra Chahal

Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a thrilling win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2026 clash on Thursday, May 14 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in Dharamshala. It was Tilak Varma's outstanding knock of unbeaten 75 which guided Mi to cross the finish line in the last over.

Tilak Varma reveals plan behind attacking Yuzvendra Chahal

The left-handed batter was given Player of the Match award for his heroic knock against the Shreyas Iyer-led side. In the 16th over, Tilak smashed a monstrous 106 meter six over long-on off Yuzvendra Chahal's delivery. He continued with a boundary and a six, scoring 20 runs off veteran spinner's over. The over turned out to be a crucial one for MI as the chase went till the last over.

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After finishing the game for MI, Tilak revealed that targeting big runs in Chahal's over was part of the team strategy, which had been discussed with the coach beforehand. However, he clarified that the plan was more about attacking the upcoming over rather than specifically targeting an experienced spinner like Chahal.

"To be honest, when we had the second strategy timeout, I was talking to the coach that just one big over and we will finish off the game. Just keep believing in me, I’ll do it for the team. So that’s what I said, and I was just waiting for that one big over. Unfortunately, it came off Yuzi bhai's (last) over (smiles). But yeah, I’m glad that I finished the game," Tilak said after the game.

Next stop for Mumbai Indians

MI have endured a difficult campaign in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, reeling at ninth place with just eight points in hand after facing elimination from the playoff race. Now, MI have only two games remaining in the season. They will lock horns with Ajinkya Rahane's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their upcoming fixture on May 20 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.