Tilak Varma's innings in the Asia Cup final will be remembered for years. Against Pakistan, he remained firm under pressure and led the team to victory, etching his name in history as a hero. But did you know that Tilak, coming from a humble background, and his family faced numerous struggles reaching the pinnacle of cricket? Playing professional cricket was not set in stone for the electrician's son, but the unwavering support of a coach paved his path to greatness. Let's dive into Tilak Varma's inspiring story...
The Tale of Hyderabad's Tilak Varma
Born on November 8, 2002, in Hyderabad, Tilak hailed from a modest family. His father, Namburi Nagaraju, worked as an electrician, while his mother, Gayatri Devi, was a homemaker. For Tilak, cricket was not just a pastime but a passion since childhood. According to his father, young Tilak would always carry his plastic bat, even sleeping with it at night.
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Despite their financial problems threatening his cricket dreams, the situation changed dramatically when coach Salam Bayash spotted Tilak during a tennis ball match in Barkas. Impressed by his timing and hand-eye coordination, Bayash asked why he wasn't playing in an academy. The honest answer was simply that his family couldn't afford it.
Bayash took it upon himself to help, persuading Tilak's parents and promising to cover all expenses personally.
Source: aajtak
Tilak's 40km Journey for Training
Initially, Tilak traveled 10 km to meet Bayash, after which they both took a 40 km journey to the Serilingampally academy. Seeing the exhausting commute, Bayash suggested the family relocate closer to the academy. Hesitant at first, the family eventually agreed.
The Journey to Realizing the Dream Began in 2013
Tilak started formal training in 2013 and soon made a name for himself in local tournaments. In 2014, he made it into Hyderabad's U14 team. Despite initial setbacks and missing selections, his coach's confidence and relentless hard work saw him return stronger.
Tilak's Grueling 12-Hour Practices
Tilak's dedication was unmatched, training over 12 hours daily. He represented Hyderabad at U16 and U19 levels, gaining national recognition through performances in the Cooch Behar and Vinoo Mankad Trophies.
Source: aajtak
Ranji and IPL Journey
Tilak debuted for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy in 2020, quickly establishing himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. His consistent performances caught the eyes of IPL scouts.
In February 2022, the Mumbai Indians signed him for INR 1.7 Crore. During his debut season, he scored 397 runs in 14 matches. In 2023, he again showcased his prowess with 343 runs, setting him apart among uncapped Indian batsmen, especially against spin.
His impressive performances earned him a spot on the Indian T20 team for the West Indies tour in 2023, making a statement with 39 runs off 22 deliveries in his debut match and 51 runs in the second T20.
Asia Cup 2025: A Career Turning Point
The 2025 Asia Cup transformed his fortunes. In a nail-biting final against Pakistan, his remarkable performance under pressure led to India's victory. Not only did this innings secure the title for India, but it also established Tilak as a "generational talent" in world cricket.
