Ravi Shastri praises 19-year old Indian batter in IPL 2022

Mumbai Indians have witnessed a disappointing beginning to their IPL 2022 campaign as the side faced two consecutive defeats in their first two games against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. The Rohit Sharma-led side conceded a 23-run defeat in their second match as troubles pile up for Mumbai Indians this season.

The fragility of the Mumbai Indians' middle-order is easily visible due to the absence of Suryakumar Yadav in the side, and the bowling attack looks heavily reliant on Jasprit Bumrah, who was their only saviour in the game against Rajasthan Royals.

As things look difficult for Mumbai Indians, the former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has found young Tilak Varma a positive and termed his performances as a "good omen" for the team.

Varma scored an impressive 33-ball 61 and almost took the game away from Rajasthan Royals before Ravichandran Ashwin knocked his stumps over, leading to a lower middle-order collapse.

"I like his temperament very much. He wasn't scared of the big names," Shastri said about Varma.

"He was very calm and composed and has an all-round game with great shots, especially in front of the wicket and the sweep. He used the pace well too. This is a good omen for Mumbai Indians because Suryakumar Yadav is not in the side, and they are missing him very much," he further added.

Shastri said only Suryakumar Yadav could provide "strength and stability" to MI's otherwise fragile middle order.

"They need strength and stability in the middle order, and that will come only when Suryakumar Yadav returns. So, the innings he played today will benefit Tilak as the tournament proceeds," mentioned the former India head coach.

Mumbai Indians will be back in action on April 6 to lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders at MCA Stadium, Pune.