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. 

Also read: IPL 2022: Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma reveals favourite footballer, best memory of La Liga

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. 

Also read: IPL 2022: ‘Baby AB’ hits no-look six vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Watch

“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. 

Also read: Ishan Kishan opens up about struggles, says people don’t know how hard players work

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. 

Also read: David Warner in for Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants? Coach gives update

“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.