Tilak Varma shared that he had a major muscle breakdown after the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Even though his body was not cooperating and was giving him signs, the left-hander went on playing domestic cricket without proper rest, and hence, his situation got aggravated.
“I just wanted to come out alive,” says Tilak Varma
Recounting the terrifying episode, Tilak said he was forced to retire hurt during a match on India A’s tour of Bangladesh in 2022. At that time, he was part of the Mumbai Indians setup, and he recalled how Akash Ambani immediately reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure he received urgent medical attention. The doctors later revealed that his situation could have turned critical had he arrived at the hospital a few hours later.
"I was playing an India A game in Bangladesh. After a point, my eyes became watery, I couldn’t lift the bat, and all my nerves were stiff. I retired hurt and came out. Akash Ambani called me right away, spoke to the BCCI, and they helped me a lot. At the hospital, they told me it could’ve got worse if I had come even a few hours late. It was that bad. Even the needle wasn’t going in. I just wanted to come out alive," Tilak shared on Breakfast with Champions.
The 22-year-old credited his childhood coach for believing in him from the beginning. “My coach always said I’d become the number one player, even before I played for Hyderabad. Many people went against me, but he stood by me. I even begged for chances to play. Those struggles made me strong. People say I handle pressure well, but compared to what I’ve faced, this feels like nothing,” he said.
Tilak played a pivotal role in India’s 2025 Asia Cup triumph, scoring a composed half-century in the final against Pakistan. The talented batter is set to return to action in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting Wednesday, October 29.
