Tilak Varma Opens Up On Near-Fatal 2022 Illness, Credits Akash Ambani And BCCI For Timely Help

Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has revealed a frightening health scare from 2022, disclosing that he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid muscle breakdown. The young batsman shared that the illness nearly ended his career and that timely help from the BCCI and Mumbai Indians co-owner Akash Ambani saved his life.

Tilak said the problem began after his maiden IPL season when his demanding fitness routine left no time for rest. Determined to become one of the fittest players and best fielders, he continued working out even on rest days. This overexertion, he explained, caused his muscles to weaken. During a match in Bangladesh while representing India A, his condition worsened suddenly as his muscles stiffened and his fingers froze, forcing medical staff to cut off his gloves and rush him to the hospital.

"Even on rest days, I was in the gym because I wanted to be the fittest player and an excellent fielder. I wasn't giving my body proper time to recover. The muscles became overstrained and started breaking down-the nerves became hard," Tilak said on the latest episode of Breakfast with Champions.

He credited Akash Ambani and the BCCI for acting swiftly to ensure immediate medical care. His condition had worsened to the point where even an IV line needle could not be inserted because it kept breaking. "My fingers wouldn't move; everything felt like a stone. I had to retire hurt, and my gloves were cut off. Akash Ambani called me right away and spoke to the BCCI. Thanks to Jay Shah sir, I was admitted to the hospital immediately. The doctors said that if I had been late by even a few hours, the consequences could have been catastrophic," he recalled, adding that his mother stayed with him throughout.

Since his recovery, Tilak has gone from strength to strength. He made his international debut in 2023 and is now a regular in India's T20I squad. Recently, he played a key role in India's Asia Cup final win against Pakistan with a match-winning knock. Tilak is also part of India's squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, which begins later this month.