Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has revealed a shocking health ordeal he faced shortly after his inaugural IPL season, being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. In a candid conversation on "Breakfast With Champions" with Gaurav Kapur, the 22-year-old Mumbai Indians batter opened up about this challenging period in 2022, a condition characterized by rapid muscle breakdown that he had previously kept private.
Varma recounted his intense desire to achieve peak fitness, pushing himself relentlessly even on rest days. "I haven't opened up about this to anyone... I wanted to be the fittest player in the world and an excellent fielder, so I wasn't quite focusing on recovery," Varma explained. This excessive strain led to the breakdown of his muscles and the tightening of his nerves.
Rhabdomyolysis, as Varma described, involves the breakdown of muscle cells, releasing harmful substances like myoglobin into the bloodstream. This condition can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure and, in severe cases, can be fatal if left untreated.
The severity of Varma's condition became apparent while he was with Mumbai Indians and India A in Bangladesh. He experienced tearing in his eyes and difficulty holding a bat. "I was with MI and India A in Bangladesh when my eyes started tearing up, and it was getting difficult even to hold the bat," he recalled. He even had to have his gloves modified because he couldn't move his fingers. Varma's health deteriorated to the point where medical intervention became critical. He described a particularly alarming moment when medical staff struggled to insert an IV line, highlighting the intensity of the treatment required.
Varma expressed immense gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), particularly Jay Shah, and the Mumbai Indians support system, including team owner Akash Ambani, for their swift and comprehensive assistance. He acknowledged that Ambani immediately contacted Jay Shah upon realizing the seriousness of his condition. The timely support and healthcare facilities provided were crucial in his recovery. Doctors cautioned Varma that the situation could have been fatal had he not received prompt medical attention.
Despite the challenges, Varma's determination and the support he received allowed him to overcome the condition and return to competitive cricket. His journey underscores the rigorous physical demands placed on professional athletes and the importance of recovery and medical support in maintaining their well-being.
Varma has become a vital component of the Indian T20I team and a key player for the Mumbai Indians. In 2022, the Mumbai Indians acquired him, and he quickly became well-known, especially after his score of 61 runs off 33 balls in his second match against Rajasthan. His excellent performance in domestic and IPL cricket led to his selection for the Indian national team for the T20I series against the West Indies in 2023, where he was the highest run-scorer for India. He also played a pivotal role in India's victory in the 2025 Asia Cup.
