In a forgettable season for Mumbai Indians, young left-handed batsman Tilak Verma has been a bright spot, becoming the highest run-scorer for the franchise with 334 runs in eleven matches at an average of 37.11 and a strike rate of 136.32. .
Earning praise from all quarters for his free-flowing stroke-play, Verma considers himself lucky to be picked by Mumbai in the IPL mega auction earlier this year.
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“I am very fortunate to play for Mumbai Indians as they had legendary cricketers like Mahela sir, Sachin sir in their team. I am very lucky that I was picked by MI team as I got to learn a lot and also got a chance to apply them in matches,” said Verma on MI TV show on Star Sports.
Verma recalled the proceedings of the mega auction and recalled that he was chosen by Mumbai as a ‘dream come true’. “From the first day of the auction I was glued to the TV as I was eagerly waiting for my name to flash on the screen and later when I picked me for the MI team it was a dream come true moment. “
“Since childhood I have been watching Rohit sir, Sachin sir and MI have always managed to come back and win matches under any circumstances, that is one of the reasons why I adore MI so much.”
The first time he met captain Rohit Sharma, he was astonished to remember Verma. “When I saw Rohit Sharma for the first time, I had goosebumps on my arm. I wanted to hug her and express my appreciation for her but when I saw her I was so shocked and nervous and at the same time I was a little scared to talk to her.”
The 19-year-old Verma, who featured in India’s squad during the U19 Men’s World Cup in 2020, credits his coach Salaam Bayash in Hyderabad for getting him to where he is currently.
“I started my cricketing journey when I was just 11 years old. My coach, Salaam Bayash is the main person in my life who encouraged me to play cricket and taught me how to play in every situation. He plays a very important role in my life. Had it not been for him, I would not have played cricket today, so all the credit goes to him.”
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