Home Cricket Facts Will Tilak Varma replace Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain? Aakash Chopra’s bold prediction turns heads

Will Tilak Varma replace Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain? Aakash Chopra’s bold prediction turns heads

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Will Tilak Varma replace Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain? Aakash Chopra’s bold prediction turns heads


Tilak Varma has given his critics a big slap in the face with a stunning century against the Gujarat Titans to help Mumbai Indians achieve a dominant comeback in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, Tilak Varma shone with the bat but Aakash Chopra sparked captaincy talks after his heroics in Ahmedabad.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Mumbai Indians got off to another poor start. Gujaat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada was on fire as he removed Danish debutant Malewar cheaply for two before showing the door to his South African teammate Quinton de Kock for 13.

Tilak Varma’s fiery ton silences critics as MI crushes GT in IPL 2026 clash

Suryakumar Yadav was cleaned up by Rabada for just 13 runs, and MI looked in serious danger at 44 for 3 in the powerplay. At that time Tilak Varma arrived and dominated the GT attack. At first, the middle-order batsman took his time and then changed course.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya swims without Ashish Nehra!! Former India star says MI focused on making headlines and missed the trick

He played smart cricket, combined timing with power and didn’t let the players settle down. Tilak finished unbeaten on 101 off just 45 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes to help Mumbai Indians reach 199 for 5 against the Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash on April 20.

Chasing the target, Gujarat Titans faltered as captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler showed no fight against the MI attack. Ashwani Kumar led the attack with four wickets and GT were bowled out for just 100 runs, with Washington Sundar top-scoring with 26.

Aakash Chopra predicts IPL captaincy for Varma after Ahmedabad heroics

After the match, Tilak Varma was applauded for the way he handled the situation. He seemed calm when the team was struggling and then took charge at the right time. His ability to perform under pressure is something that left everyone impressed with him.

This is not the first time the MI star has done it. He has already shown in important matches for India that he can maintain his composure and deliver when required. Due to this, talks have already started for Tilak to become captain in the future.

His confidence, his understanding of the game and the way he carries himself on the field are strong arguments in his favor. After the match, former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra predicted that Tilak Varma will soon become captain of the IPL.

Also Read: Gujarat Titans coach blames bowlers despite batting disaster against MI

Chopra posted on

Aakash Chopra sees future captain in Tilak Varma

Even on his YouTube channel, the cricket expert reiterated that Tilak has everything to lead an IPL team. He said, “Tilak Varma defeated Gujarat Titans by one run. He scored 101 and the entire Gujarat team collapsed for 100. I feel the day is not far when he will be the captain of an IPL franchise.”

Chopra added: “You may be wondering how someone can become captain by playing one innings, but within two years, and it could happen sooner, Tilak Varma will lead an IPL franchise. That is my understanding. I can explain it further at that time.”

Notably, Tilak already has captaincy experience, having led India A against South Africa A in a one-day series in November 2025, in the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, the South Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 and the Hyderabad Ranji team.