Tilak Varma is one of the biggest young talents in Indian cricket today. If one had any doubts over his caliber, the left-hander would have shut those down with his iconic innings in the 2025 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. That innings was also a reminder to his competitors in the team and outside that they have a mountain to climb if they are to replace him in the playing XI.
Things are all so rosy now but Varma was suffering from a life-threatening disease in 2022. The condition was really severe and if left unattended, death was inevitable. This happened in 2022 after Varma had just finished his first IPL season with Mumbai Indians.
"I haven't shared this with anyone but now is the right time. I was down with health issues after my first IPL season," said Varma on Gaurav Kapur's chat show Breakfast With Champions.
"I was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition which leads to muscle breakdown. It was a time when I was looking to make it to the Test team. I was playing domestic cricket and the A series."
The extensive preparation was taking a toll on Varma's body and the lack of recovery time meant that it was a disaster waiting to happen. Varma's obsession with fitness meant that he was also working overtime in the gym without giving the required attention to his medical condition.
"I was taking ice baths but neglecting proper recovery. The muscle was overstrained and eventually broke down. My nerves started to become very stiff."
Fighting your body is a battle that you cannot win beyond a point and for Varma, that breaking point arrived in Bangladesh during an A tour. That was the moment when death was staring him in his face and it is an incident that he will never forget.
"I had pushed myself for a hundred but suddenly, my eyes started tearing up and my fingers were no longer working. My whole body felt like a stone and I had to retire hurt. They had to cut my gloves off because my fingers wouldn't move."
News of this incident reached the Mumbai Indians management and owner Akash Ambani wasted no time in reaching out to the cricketer's family, while also coordinating the rehab plan with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Varma's recovery map was charted out and with immediate treatment, he was able to get himself out of danger.
"Thanks to Mumbai Indians and Jay Shah. I was admitted to a hospital immediately. Doctors said that even a few more hours of delay could have been disastrous for me. The IV needle was breaking while being inserted. My condition was very serious."
Like they do with all their contracted players, Mumbai Indians were with Varma right through the treatment process and ensured that they handled everything from start to finish. The result was a rebirth for Varma who hasn't looked back ever since. For a man who fought off death, the pressure of an Asia Cup final seemed very hollow in comparison.
