'I haven’t had that winning feeling yet' - Tilak Varma wants to end MI's IPL title drought

As the Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 41 of IPL 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, all eyes will be on local boy Tilak Varma. The left-handed batter, who has been a brilliant performer for MI since his debut in 2022, is hopeful that this year will finally break their title drought. With MI finding their footing after a poor start, Varma believes the team’s comeback is stronger than ever.

Having missed out on the playoffs in the past few seasons, MI has often seen itself catching up from behind and going on to lift the title. This year followed a similar script initially, with the team winning just one of their first five matches. But a narrow 12-run win over Delhi Capitals, followed by convincing victories against SRH and Chennai Super Kings, has put MI back in the race.

Currently sixth on the points table, a win against SRH on Wednesday could propel them to the top three. For Tilak, the clash is special, not just because it is in his hometown of Hyderabad, but because of what it means to the team. 

“I always tell Rohit bhai and Surya bhai that I haven’t had that winning feeling yet. I joined in 2022, but we haven’t won the trophy since then. Personally, the last three seasons have gone well for me, but the team hasn’t had the results we wanted. This year, we are confident and ready to give it our all—heart and soul,” he told exclusively on JioHotstar’s special series “Gen Bold”.

Surya bhai creates such a positive environment: Tilak Varma

The southpaw thanked the Mumbai camp and skipper Hardik Pandya for his growth, which has been influenced by a strong support system. He also credited Suryakumar Yadav for creating a positive environment that translates onto the field. 

“I have a very good relationship with Hardik bhai. I made my T20 debut and received my cap from him. That was a very special experience. We played together last year as well. He always backs players and communicates openly if something goes wrong. Our relationship is very good, and I’m hopeful we’ll continue to do well this year. We have a very good relationship both on and off the field," he said.

"Surya bhai creates such a positive environment—be it in Indian team or in Mumbai Indians team—and that reflects on the field. We have a great understanding while running between wickets; sometimes, we don’t even need to give a call to each other while running between wickets. That kind of off-field chemistry really helps on the field too," Tilak added.

Mumbai’s recent performances have come after important players found form at the right time. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to rhythm, Mitchell Santner’s spin, and Trent Boult’s swing have strengthened the bowling attack. Varma said he admires Bumrah’s calmness and skillsets which he brings to the table.

“He is extremely calm under pressure, always relaxed. No matter the situation, you don’t see it on his face. Even when he bowled the 19th over in the World Cup final, it felt like he was just bowling in the nets. I admire that and try to learn from it," the youngster concluded.