Tilak Varma is confused: CSK legend helps MI stabilize batting order in IPL 2026

Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu made a bold claim about the Mumbai Indians (MI) batting order following their heavy home defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Rayudu stated that Tilak Varma should play as a finisher, citing his past success against teams like the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026.

Mumbai Indians suffered a 103-run loss against Chennai Super Kings in a one-sided encounter at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. Chasing a target of 208, the home team were bowled out for 104 in 19 overs. The Mumbai-based franchise recorded their heaviest-ever defeat against their arch-rivals.

I Think Tilak Varma Is Getting a Little Confused - Ambati Rayudu

During a recent ESPNcricinfo Timeout discussion, Ambati Rayudu stated that Tilak Varma looks confident about his plans when batting in the final five overs. However, he pointed out that batting in the middle overs affects the youngster Tilak Varma’s ability to build his innings.

"If you look at his best innings [against Gujarat Titans], most of his runs have come in the last four or five overs [he scored 64 runs in 17 balls in the last four overs]. And it necessarily does not mean he has to be set. Even when he walks in [in the last five overs], he is ready and prepared. In that middle phase, I think Tilak is getting a little confused, as to, you know, do I build an innings now? Do I really take the bowlers on? He doesn't really have that clarity."

"If you have seen his 8 [from three balls, against Punjab Kings], when Rutherford got bowled by Arshdeep [Singh], Tilak was prepared to hit in areas that he knows that the bowlers are going to bowl at. He is a brilliant batsman at six and seven. He knows what's going on," Rayudu added.

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Stick to Sherfane Rutherford at No. 5 - Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu and former Mumbai Indians fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan agreed on the ideal batting position for Sherfane Rutherford. They believe the explosive West Indian all-rounder needs time to settle in and assess conditions before launching his attack in the death overs.

"Stick to Rutherford [at No. 5]. Because Rutherford needs a few balls. And then he can be explosive. But Tilak does not need those balls to be explosive," Rayudu stated.

"Sherfane at five, I think is a great option because we know he can hit at the end. But he hits at the end once he is set. And we saw that in other tournaments as well," McClenaghan added.

Tilak Varma Fights With 37 at No. 5 Before Falling to Akeal Hosein

Sanju Samson delivered a brilliant performance as Mumbai Indians struggled with the bat. The wicketkeeper-batter scored an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls, including ten fours and six sixes. Allah Ghazanfar and Ashwani Kumar took two wickets each, but CSK still posted a strong total of 207.

Defending the target, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein played a key role by taking four wickets for just 17 runs. Tilak Varma, who batted at No. 5, tried to fight back with 37 off 29 balls, including five boundaries, but was dismissed by Hosein. Suryakumar Yadav added 36, but the rest of the batting collapsed.

This win marked the first time Mumbai Indians lost by over 100 runs. Chennai Super Kings moved up to fifth place, while Mumbai Indians dropped to eighth in the standings.

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