SINCE YOU FACE A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS IN THE IPL, IT HELPS WHEN YOU EVENTUALLY PLAY AT THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: TILAK VARMA
SINCE YOU FACE A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS IN THE IPL, IT HELPS WHEN YOU EVENTUALLY PLAY AT THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE: TILAK VARMA
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Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar’s special series “Gen Bold”, Mumbai Indians’ rising star Tilak Varma opened up about his journey, key learnings from senior players, and his aspirations in the TATA IPL. From debuting under Hardik Pandya to the bond he shares with Suryakumar Yadav and the calmness he admires in Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak reflects on how the Mumbai Indians ecosystem and international experience have shaped his growth as a player.
On the upcoming Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians match in Hyderabad, his hometown:
“Last year, when I played in Hyderabad for Mumbai Indians, I was just walking out of the stadium for the warm-up, and the crowd started shouting my name. I didn’t expect that. At first, I thought Rohit Bhai was walking behind me! It was such a special feeling. I’m excited to feel that energy from my home crowd again this year.”
On Mumbai Indians not winning the TATA IPL trophy in recent years:
“I always tell Rohit Bhai and Surya Bhai that I haven’t had that winning feeling yet. I joined in 2022, but we haven’t won the trophy since then. Personally, the last three seasons have gone well for me, but the team hasn’t had the results we wanted. This year, we are confident and ready to give it our all—heart and soul.”
On his equation with Hardik Pandya:
“I have a very good relationship with Hardik bhai. I made my T20 debut and received my cap from him. That was a very special experience. We played together last year as well. He always backs players and communicates openly if something goes wrong. Our relationship is very good, and I’m hopeful we’ll continue to do well this year.”
On his bond with Suryakumar Yadav:
“We have a very good relationship both on and off the field. Surya bhai creates such a positive environment—be it in Indian team or in Mumbai Indians team—and that reflects on the field. We have a great understanding while running between wickets; sometimes, we don’t even need to give a call to each other while running between wickets. That kind of off-field chemistry really helps on the field too.”
On what he learns from Jasprit Bumrah:
“He is extremely calm under pressure, always relaxed. No matter the situation, you don’t see it on his face. Even when he bowled the 19th over in the World Cup final, it felt like he was just bowling in the nets. I admire that and try to learn from it.”
On how the TATA IPL experience helps in international cricket:
“I joined Mumbai Indians in 2022, so this is my fourth season. I’ve had the opportunity to play with several senior and domestic players. That boosts your confidence. Since you face a lot of international-level players in the IPL, it really helps when you eventually play at the international stage.”
On his first memory of watching the TATA IPL:
“In 2008, I heard about Brendon McCullum’s 150+ score. I was a kid and didn’t know much about cricket, but I was watching with my father. In 2010, I started understanding the game. After we won the 2011 World Cup, I started dreaming about representing India and winning something big. That’s when I joined the academy and began playing seriously.”
Catch Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians at 7:30 PM today in an electrifying TATA IPL Revenge Week (April 20–27), live and exclusive on JioHotstar app and the Star Sports Network, and stay tuned for more such exclusive interviews featuring the younger generation of TATA IPL players only on Star Sports 1 (SD & HD) and the JioHotstar app.
