IPL 2022: Suresh Raina – Tilak Varma – Mumbai Indians’ scouting team is the best in the IPL and their newest present is Tilak Varma. But behind the rise of Varma, former CSK & Indian player Suresh Raina had a BIG role to play, albeit indirectly. The 19-year-old Hyderabad batsman smashed a sensational 33-ball 61 against RR on Sunday. But how did Chinna Thala shape Varma’s future? Read the full story. Follow IPL 2022 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
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IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
It was back in 2014 when Hyderabad cricket coach Salam Bayash took 12-year-old Tilak Varma to a practice session of Chennai Super Kings at the HCA Stadium in Uppal. CSK were playing Sunrisers Hyderbad the next day and it took a five-minute interaction from Raina to shape Varma’s future. Raina’s shots at the nets inspired Varma to become a cricketer.
“I had a friend of mine, who was a local manager. I took his help to procure permission to watch the practice and had little Tilak accompany. I distinctly remember a wide-eyed Tilak just watching Suresh Raina’s batting with awe. He stood transfixed and watched every shot played by Raina. Then we clicked pictures with him and I strongly feel that the “special meeting” with Raina was enough for Tilak to decide that he wanted to become a cricketer,” Varma’s childhood coach Salam Bayash told PTI.
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
Eight year hence, the now 20-year-old left-hander’s lucid style of strokeplay must have brought a wide grin on Raina’s face while watching him reverse sweep Ravichandran Ashwin for a six.
MI lost to Rajasthan Royals but Tilak’s 61 had garnered a lot of attention, especially after head coach Mahela Jayawardena showered him with glowing praise.
Son of an electrician, Varma believes that the Rs 1.7 crore contract will help him provide a better life for his parents, who have sacrificed a lot to see their son realise his dream.
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
But Bayash always knew that Varma was special and did play a huge role in shaping his career from age-group cricket to U-19 and now sending a near-finished product to Mumbai Indians.
“Had my coach and parents not backed me, I wouldn’t have come so far. I dedicate this innings to all of them,” the southpaw had said moments after his whirlwind innings.
Bayash recalled how Varma’s batting in a tennis ball match at a local ground caught his attention.
“I saw him and felt that the kid was doing well. Then I called his parents and persuaded them to take the kid to my academy. He had issues while commuting, so he used to accompany me for practice. We used to cover 40 km one way,” Bayash remembered.
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
Varma is a resident of Salala Barkas area in Belapur locality and travelled all the way to Lingapally to practice at the Legala cricket academy. He studied at the Cresent Model English school.
“I had taken special permission from school authorities and often he would have lunch at the academy before starting training in the afternoon session. While Tilak’s family at that point had hardships, I must give credit to his parents, who were very supportive with his career choice,” Bayash said.
Ashwin’s Fierce Send off to Tilak Verma 😦😦 pic.twitter.com/P2awA0TaOB
— SportsBash (@thesportsbash) April 2, 2022
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
Bayash is elated that Varma was roped in by a champion outfit like MI where he can learn a lot from legends.
“Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders are good teams and so is Punjab Kings, which gives a lot of opportunities to youngsters and it’s luck that he landed in a champion team like MI. Which coach won’t be proud if his student plays for MI,” Bayash said.
But amidst all these Bayash’ real happiness lies somewhere else. When he played cricket, Bayash’s only wish was to meet Sachin Tendulkar once in his lifetime, talk to him and seek his blessings. What he couldn’t achieve, his favourite ward has done it.
“When I was playing, I nurtured only one dream to meet and greet Tendulkar. I am more pleased that my student is now meeting him and taking his tips,” he signed off.
IPL 2022: Chinna Thala Suresh Raina changed Mumbai Indians SENSATION Tilak Varma’s future with five-minute interaction – Read full Inside Story
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