The defending champions, Mumbai have had a forgettable season in the ongoing edition of the Indian T20 League. They are already out of the race for the playoffs and with a win on Thursday, they also ensured that Chennai too don’t make a top-four finish. Currently, Rohit Sharma and Co. are languishing at the bottom of the points table, with 3 wins in 12 matches.
However, despite lackluster performances, Mumbai have had some big positives to take out from their campaign. They have managed to unearth some great talents, who can serve the team for many years to come. Playing their first season for Mumbai, the likes of Tim David, Daniel Sams and Hrithik Shokeen have all impressed with their performances.
However, the biggest positive for Mumbai has been the emergence of young Indian batter, Tilak Varma. The right-handed batter is just 19-year old and but has shown great bit of temperament this season. He has been revelation for the team. Batting in the middle-order, Varma has often pulled the team out of tough situations and took the team to competitive scores on the board.
On Thursday against Chennai, he, once again, proved his mettle by playing a match-winning knock of 34 runs in 32 balls, including 4 fours. Chasing a small total of 97 runs, Mumbai were in all sorts of trouble at 33 for 4. However, Varma then stitched a match-winning partnership with Hrithik Shokeen and remained right till the end. He helped the team chase down the score in 14.5 overs in the end.
During the second innings of the game, when only 13 were needed to win in 40 balls, Indian veteran spinner, Harbhajan Singh heaped praise on the young Mumbai batter while sitting in the commentary panel. He stated that Tilak Varma has the potential to play for Mumbai for many years to come and could be the future captain of the franchise.
“The thing is right. He has the potential, and we will see him play for Mumbai Indians for many years to come. Tilak alongside David too. I think Tilak will be the future captain for Mumbai Indians,” Harbhajan said. Meanwhile, the former India cricketer’s partner in the commentary box, Aakash Chopra also shared his views with Harbhajan. “Wow, your heard that first here. The left-handed batter who is currently on strike can become the future skipper of Mumbai Indians,” the former Team Indian batsman said.
Tilak Varma is currently the highest run-getter for Mumbai in the ongoing edition of the Indian T20 League. In 12 matches, he has managed to score 386 runs at an average of 40.89.