In the IPL 2026 match held in Dharamsala, Tilak Varma emerged as the star player for the Mumbai Indians, scoring an unbeaten 75 runs off 33 balls to lead his team to a six-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings. Despite the Mumbai Indians being out of playoff contention, Varma's performance was a highlight, as he played a crucial role in chasing down a target of 201 runs, finishing the innings at 202 for 4 with a ball to spare. His gesture of signaling '45' towards the dugout after sealing the win with a six was a touching tribute to former captain Rohit Sharma, who wore that number during his tenure with MI. Varma's innings included a significant 61-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed 20 runs. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah commended the bowlers for their execution of plans, noting the importance of holding their nerve in the match. This victory, while not impacting playoff positions, showcased the talent and spirit within the Mumbai Indians squad.