Tilak Varma’s performance was one of the very few positives for Mumbai Indians in IPL 15.
The five-time champions looked out of sorts right from the beginning, suffering eight successive defeats to be knocked out of the playoffs reckoning.
Amid the forgettable outings, young batter Tilak Varma’s performance was one of the very few positives for the Rohit Sharma-led side. The southpaw produced some brilliant knocks and returned with 397 runs from 14 innings at a strike rate of 131.02.
It was an impressive show with the bat considering the fact that Tilak was featuring in his first IPL season, having been roped in by MI for INR 1.70 crore.
While such hefty IPL contracts might take the focus away from the game, the 19-year-old Tilak Varma has taken a brilliant step to make sure that he doesn't get swayed by the money.
“[We never had] the luxury to dream outside the traditional career options, because a good job and continuous income were crucial,” Varma was quoted as saying by The Week. “I will never forget what I had to leave to get what I have now. I missed all those important family functions, a close sister’s wedding and quality time with my parents.”
Recalling his struggles from his early cricketing days, Tilak said: “The worst part was that my huge cricket kit was not allowed on the bus and there was always a ruckus whenever I carried one with me. But now, I have more than enough money to buy a car of my own.”
“I tried very hard to become permanent in the U16 team. I would go to the ground early morning, and would stay there till late evening. I did not miss a single day of the state camp. I used to miss out on meals and rest, and was totally frustrated,” the teenager added.
As far as his IPL amount is concerned – Tilak Varma has given it all to his father and asked him to keep it away from him.
“[I am not letting the money] influence my mind. I have given it all to my father and told him to keep me away from it. I know it is too easy to get distracted,” he said.