IPL 2023: They don’t see me as a youngster or a newcomer to the team – Tilak Varma credits MI management

Mumbai Indians greenhorn batter Tilak Varma gave credit to the Mumbai Indians management for getting the best out of him. Varma said that the think tank doesn’t see him as a youngster or a newcomer to the team. The left-hander had impressed in his debut season, amassing 397 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 131.02 in IPL 2022.

In what was a horrible season for Mumbai Indians as they finished as cellar-dwellers of the tournament with only four wins in 14 games, Tilak Varma was the shining star for the team.

The left-hander has once again impressed in his second season as he has amassed 214 runs in five matches at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 158.52 so far.

The southpaw played another impressive knock as he scored 37 runs from 17 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Tuesday to help his team post 192 runs on the board. Varma added 56 runs with Cameron Green, who scored 64 runs from 40 balls.

Varma said at a post-match press conference: “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.”

Varma also revealed the advice which he has received from Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma.

“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.”

Varma batted at number five and he was able to hit the ground running for MI against SRH. The left-hander added he is comfortable playing in any match situation.

“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.”

“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.

MI will next play Punjab Kings on Saturday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.