Tilak Varma, one of the promising young talents in Indian cricket, opened up about being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious muscle condition, during his debut IPL season in 2022. Despite this setback, Tilak bounced back and has since become a vital player in India’s T20I lineup, notably contributing an unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup final to help India secure the title.

His career, however, could have been derailed if not for the timely intervention of the BCCI and Mumbai Indians. Tilak credited the franchise and Jay Shah for providing vital support, ensuring his promising future in cricket was safeguarded.

“After my first IPL season, I started experiencing some health problems that I hadn’t spoken about publicly before. I was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis — a condition that causes muscle tissue to break down. At that point, I was eager to make it into the Test squad. I was juggling domestic matches, India A tours, and training camps, while still pushing myself in the gym even on rest days. My goal was to be among the fittest players at the World Cup and to move quickly in the field, but I didn’t give enough importance to recovery. I did take ice baths and got sleep, but my body simply wasn’t healing — what it truly needed was proper rest,” Tilak Varma told Gaurav Kapur on Breakfast With Champions.

“I was pushing myself even on rest days, and as a result, my muscles were severely overworked and eventually broke down. The strain affected my nerves, making them extremely stiff. At the time, I was with the Mumbai Indians and also participating in the A series in Bangladesh. Despite the pain, I tried to keep going and faced around 100 balls, but my fingers stopped responding completely. It became impossible to continue — I had to retire hurt, and the medical team even had to cut my gloves off because I couldn’t move my fingers.

“Akash (Ambani) bhai was present and immediately got in touch with the BCCI, who offered tremendous support. I’m especially grateful to Jay Shah, sir and the COE for their help. When I was taken to the hospital, the doctors told me that even a small delay in treatment could have led to serious, possibly life-threatening consequences.”

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle fibers break down, releasing proteins such as myoglobin into the bloodstream. This can lead to complications like kidney failure, disrupted electrolyte balance, and even organ damage if left untreated. It is commonly associated with intense physical activity, traumatic injury, or the use of certain drugs. Recognizing the signs early and receiving proper care is essential to minimize the risks.