Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma said he handed over his IPL 2022 paycheck to his father to avoid any kind of distraction from focusing on cricket. Tilak, who played 15 T20 matches for Hyderabad, was bought by Mumbai Indians for INR 1.7 crore in the IPL 2022 auction.
Tilak ended as Mumbai Indians’ second-most run-getter in a disappointing season. The 19-year-old amassed 397 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 131.02 with two half-centuries, Ishan Kishan was the highest scorer for the team with 418 runs.
I have given it all to my father: Tilak Varma on IPL 2022 salary
Tilak, who had to go through financial struggles in pursuit of playing cricket, said he didn’t let the IPL earnings get into his head as he was aware of the distraction.
“[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,” Tilak told The Week.
Tilak scored a brisk half-century against Rajasthan Royals in Mumbai Indians’ second match. The youngster scored 61 off 33 balls, including three boundaries and five sixes, at a strike rate of 184.85. He showed his calm and composed character during the low-score chase against Chennai Super Kings.
While chasing 98 against rivals CSK, MI were reduced to 34 for four wickets down at the end of the fifth over. hit 34 off 32 balls with the help of four boundaries and forged 48 runs with Hrithik Shokeen, who scored 18 in 23 balls.
My huge cricket kit was not allowed on the bus: Tilak Varma
Tilak also opened up about his struggles of travelling on the bus to reach the training spot and avoiding family functions.
“I missed all those important family functions, a close sister’s wedding and quality time with my parents. You need to treasure the moments you have with family,” Tilak said.
“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,” he added.
Mumbai Indians and team India captain Rohit Sharma lavished praise on Tilak’s talent and said he would soon play all formats of the game for the national team.
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