Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu believes Tilak Varma should play the finisher role for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2026, whereas Sherfane Rutherford should bat in the middle order.
Varma scored 37 runs off 29 balls against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday in the run chase of 208. On the other hand, Sherfane Rutherford was dismissed for a golden duck against CSK.
In the previous match against Gujarat Titans, Varma had scored a stunning knock of 101 runs off just 45 balls.
Ambati Rayudu said on ESPN Cricinfo, “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.”
Rayudu said Tilak Varma is aware of how to bat at number six and seven for MI.
“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.
Rayudu added that Sherfane Rutherford needs time to get settled and then launch his attack.
He added, “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.
On the other hand, former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan also concurred with Rayudu.
He concluded, “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.”
Mumbai Indians will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Wednesday.
