Tilak Varma, 20, has expressed his appreciation for the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise management, claiming that from the very start, he was treated as a seasoned member of the team rather than a newcomer. He believes that the trust and backing from the franchise have aided him in becoming a better batsman.
Since joining the MI team last year, Tilak Varma scored 397 runs in 14 matches at an impressive average of 36.09 and an even more remarkable strike rate of 131.02 in the previous season. His exceptional form has carried on into this season as well, with 214 runs scored in just six matches at a batting average of 53.50 and strike rate of 158.52.
On Tuesday, 18th April, the left-handed player smashed 37 runs off a mere 17 balls in the IPL 2023 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Reflecting upon his progress as a player since his IPL debut for MI, Varma said at the press conference after the match:
“The first season (2022), I was a youngster, but since then, I always had the team back me. They don’t see me as a youngster or a newcomer to the team. They always help me mature as a player. So it was pretty easy for me to manage, unlike the first year.
“The team (Mumbai Indians) treat me in a way that I never feel like I’m playing the IPL or any other tournament for the first time. Being amongst the God of Cricket (Sachin Tendulkar), the Indian captain (Rohit Sharma), and everyone, I feel confident and comfortable with them.”
“Sachin sir told me to have a clear mindset, whether you score runs or not. Rohit sir said, put a smile on your face and give your 100 percent into what you are doing; then the rest will all go fine.” He further revealed.
“I am confident to bat anywhere, in any situation”: Tilak Varma
The Mumbai Indians have shown full trust in the youngster and have even utilized him as a floater in the line-up, despite having no prior experience. Varma reported feeling at ease batting anywhere needed for the team and stated:
“I am always comfortable playing in any situation. I have worked on my game on the ground accounting for all possible situations. I always tell the management that I am confident to bat anywhere, in any situation. So they are also confident and hence send me out to bat.”
Tilak Varma had a positive attitude during his quick appearance against SRH, wanting to tackle the faster bowlers as the pitch was offering turn for the spin bowlers. He explained:
“I felt there was turn available for the spinners. So I was just thinking about the situation, what the team needs. I wanted to avoid facing the spinners and just wait to play the fast bowlers. Washy (Washington Sundar) and Mayu (Mayank Markande) were bowling well.
“I thought about playing them before I could charge on against the fast bowlers. I didn’t want to miss an over as we have a long batting line-up. So I charged my tank and went the way I wanted, so I am happy.”