IPL 2022: Mumbai Indians’ Tilak Varma has ‘potential to go ahead’, says ex-India coach Ravi Shastri

Tilak Varma joined Mumbai Indians mainstay Suryakumar Yadav in the middle to put up an 83-run stand against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The two and some big shots by Kieron Pollard in the last over powered the five-time champions to a respectable 161-run total after a slow start. 

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Varma was unbeaten at 38 runs off 27 balls with the help of three boundaries and two maximums. Kieron Pollard hit three sixes during his five-ball stay to score 22 runs. 

Praising Tilak Varma ahead of the KKR game, former India coach Ravi Shastri said that the 19-year-old has a lot of potential. 

 Varma had hit a quickfire 61 runs off 33 balls against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai and 22 off 15 vs the Delhi Capitals. 

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“He has shown a lot of potential in both the innings he has played for Mumbai Indians. I am impressed looking at his wide range of shots-front foot, back foot, sweep. There’s a lot of variation in his shot selection. His composure, body language and temperament are very good for a young player. He’s batted very confidently. This player has the potential to go ahead,” Ravi Shastri said on Star Sports. 

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The former India coach further added that Varma will join Suryakumar Yadav to strengthen Mumbai Indians’ middle-order. The two did exactly the same on Wednesday. The latter made 52 runs off 36 balls. He hit two boundaries and as many maximums. 

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“Tilak Varma has shown positive intent with his batting and these are good signs for Mumbai Indians. Once Suryakumar Yadav is back in the playing eleven, Mumbai’s middle-order will be strong,” said Shastri.

Riding to Surya and Varma’s efforts and a cameo by Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians posted 161 runs.