Hardik Pandya Likened To Triple H After Tilak Varma Century

Tilak Varma’s masterclass against the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 was more than just a display of skill it was a testament to his captain's leadership. Batting at number five, Varma hammered an unbeaten 101 off 45 balls, but it was an animated mid pitch conversation with Hardik Pandya that stole the spotlight. During a period where Varma found it difficult to time the ball, Pandya was seen delivering a high-energy motivational talk that changed the course of the innings.

The 'Triple H' Connection

Former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin was quick to notice Pandya’s leadership style, making a unique comparison on his YouTube channel. Ashwin likened Pandya’s intensity to that of WWE icon Triple H. "Hardik was motivating him like we see in the WWE. Just like Triple H used to do with the water entrance that level of energy. Whatever he said, it clearly worked for Tilak," Ashwin remarked.

One of the All Time Great Tons

Ashwin didn't stop at the leadership praise; he also labeled Varma's hundred as one of the best in IPL history. Considering the high-quality Gujarat Titans attack featuring Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj, Ashwin noted that scoring at such a rate on a challenging pitch was an extraordinary feat. Varma’s 45-ball century now stands as the joint-fastest for Mumbai Indians, tying the record held by Sanath Jayasuriya.

Breaking the Curse

The victory was a massive relief for Mumbai Indians, snapping a four match losing streak. Beyond Varma's heroics, Hardik Pandya also achieved a personal milestone, becoming the seventh player to reach 2,000 runs for the franchise. With the bowlers clinical in defending 199, MI finally looks like a unit that has rediscovered its winning DNA under Pandya’s 'Triple H' style leadership.