Tilak Varma

That coach, Salim Bayash, paid for his training at the Legala Cricket Academy. Reaching it meant a round trip of nearly 40 kilometers for the teenage Tilak, a commitment that formed the base of his later progress.

His professional breakthrough came at the 2022 IPL auction, when Mumbai Indians signed him. The franchise ended that campaign last in the standings, but the young left-field newcomer was among the side's top run-makers and looked calm against high-class attacks. A second productive IPL season followed, and it led to his first India selection in T20 Internationals, for a series against the West Indies.

Tilak has since become a dependable middle-order batter for both Mumbai Indians and the national team. He can soak up pressure, keep the scoreboard moving with singles and step up the scoring rate when required, and he also contributes useful off-spin. During IPL 2025 he again produced steady returns for Mumbai Indians, frequently holding the innings together in difficult phases and strengthening his standing as a key member of the squad.

Still only in his early 20s, he enters the coming IPL season with expectations that he will offer more than stability and take on a bigger role in winning matches, particularly in tight finishes.