I have given all my money to father, told him to keep me away from it: Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma, a 19-year-old batter, who featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, had a promising outing for Mumbai Indians (MI) this season and was one of the regular starters on the team during the team. Speaking about his early struggles in the course of becoming a professional cricketer, he said that he would never forget what he had to sacrifice to get what he has now.

The 19-year-old’s father worked as an electrician and wished that his son became a doctor. Varma said that he never had the luxury to dream outside the conventional career options because a good job and continuous income were crucial. He also spoke about how he could not attend family functions, weddings, and some time with his parents. Speaking about his current status, he laughed at the fact that he now has enough money to buy a car on his own

I used to miss out on meals: Tilak Varma

Varma said that there was always a ruckus on the bus because of having to carry his huge cricket kit, and added that he then felt like a hitchhiker. The left-handed batter today wishes to have a degree in something he feels is easy “only for the sake of it”. In this year’s auction, he was bought by MI for Rs. 1.7 crore and went on to score 397 runs in 14 games at an average of over 36 and a strike rate of over 131.

Varma also recalls his journey to becoming a U16 cricketer for India, saying that he would go to the grounds early in the morning and skip meals, and was totally frustrated, when he was 14. He later went on to break into India’s U19 World Cup team, which was his first big break as a cricketer.

“[We never had] the luxury to dream outside the traditional career options, because a good job and continuous income were crucial,” said Varma, as quoted 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.”

“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,” said Varma. “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.”

Talking in terms of not getting spoiled with the money, he added that he gave away all his money to his father and kept himself 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 added.