IPL 2022 | 'I think he's on the right path' - MI skipper on Tilak Varma

Amidst a stormy season that has already shown Mumbai Indians a door of exit, Tilak Varma has emerged as a star performer, contributing as many as 368 runs in 12 matches. 

Varma often saw the batters besides him crumble but did not let himself be a part of the MI chaos as the franchise seemed to have check-marked his name for the seasons to come.

As their skipper Rohit Sharma put it across, the 19-year-old will soon represent India in all three formats. Rohit added that the U-19 prodigy has the right technique and temperament to help him go a long way in his career.

"He's been brilliant playing for the first year. Having such a calm head is never easy, and in my opinion, I feel he's going to be an all-format player for India pretty soon. He's got the technique, he's got the temperament, which is the most important thing when you play at the highest level," Rohit said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"So, I think a lot of things are looking bright for him, and there is hunger. When you speak to him, there's a hunger to do well and finish games and have some success as well. I think he's on the right path; he just needs to keep growing and see how he can improve and get better as a player," he added.

On May 12, when MI's batting contingent again tottered in the paltry run-chase of 98 runs against the Chennai Super Kings, Varma used all his composure and helped his side race past the finishing line, courtesy of his 32-ball 34.

With Mumbai already out of the playoff contention, they handed the debut cap to Tristan Stubbs yesterday. Stubbs' way to the XI was paved by Kieron Pollard, who sat out on the bench due to his poor batting returns (144 runs) in the ongoing tournament.

Rohit reflected on the tough decision and clarified that Pollard initiated the talks of getting opportunities for a youngster in his place.

"Yeah, we're keeping one eye on that [future], but we want to win games. That's the bottom line, but at the same time, we want to make sure that we try out certain players and give them certain roles and try and see if they can live up to that. It will hold us in good stead for the next year. We want to try options - there are still two games to go for us. So we might try certain things as well," Rohit further added.

"He's been a stalwart for Mumbai; there's no doubt about it. I said it at the toss as well. It was him who came out and spoke about it [sitting out]. He's okay with that because, obviously, we're looking at players. Had we been in a situation where we had a chance to qualify, probably this wouldn't have happened," the 35-year-old concluded.

Mumbai Indians will again seek the answers for the next season as they are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 17 at the Wankhede Stadium.