India’s star player in the Asia Cup, Tilak Varma, recently shared details of a health crisis he faced in 2022. He disclosed battling rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition stemming from intense muscle breakdown. Tilak admitted neglecting proper recovery after rigorous field days, leading to the diagnosis and timely treatment of the condition.
During a competitive match, Tilak recounted being swiftly taken to the hospital as his muscles stiffened to the extent of needing his gloves cut off. He expressed profound appreciation for the timely support extended by Mumbai Indians co-owner Akash Ambani and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In an interview with Gaurav Kapur on Breakfast with Champions, Tilak unveiled his health struggles post his first IPL season, where he aimed for peak fitness levels. He revealed grappling with rhabdomyolysis due to overstrained muscles from excessive training and inadequate recovery periods.
Tilak narrated the critical moments leading to his health scare, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of peak physical condition. He credited the Mumbai Indians and the BCCI for their swift response and assistance during his distressing ordeal, highlighting the crucial role played by Akash Ambani and Jay Shah.
After a lengthy recovery period, Tilak returned to the field, impressively marking his comeback with stellar performances in the IPL, notably scoring an unbeaten 84 runs off 46 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Subsequently, he made his international debut and has since excelled in both ODI and T20 formats, becoming a pivotal player for the Indian team.
Following a successful IPL season in 2023, Tilak further cemented his status as a national hero with a standout performance in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan. Currently gearing up for India’s upcoming T20I series against Australia, Tilak’s resilience and determination continue to shine, underscoring his promising future in the world of cricket.