India’s rising cricket star Tilak Varma, who played a pivotal role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph, has revealed for the first time that he faced a life-threatening health condition in 2022.

Speaking on the latest episode of Breakfast of Champions, the 22-year-old Mumbai Indians batter disclosed that he had been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare and serious disorder that causes rapid muscle breakdown.

“I haven’t shared this with anyone before,” Tilak said. “After my first IPL season, I was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. I used to overtrain, even on rest days, because I wanted to be the fittest player. My muscles were overstrained, and eventually, they broke down.”

‘My fingers stopped moving’

Tilak recounted a frightening incident during the India A series in Bangladesh, where his body suddenly shut down mid-innings.
“I had pushed myself for a hundred, but suddenly my eyes started tearing up, and my fingers stopped working. Everything felt like stone. I had to retire hurt, and my gloves had to be cut off,” he recalled.

Saved by swift medical action

The cricketer credited Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah for arranging immediate medical assistance that potentially saved his life.
“Thanks to Mumbai Indians and Jay Shah, I was admitted to the hospital immediately. Doctors said even a few hours’ delay could have been catastrophic. My mother was with me during that time,” he said.

Tilak praised the Mumbai Indians medical team for their top-notch care and revealed that the experience taught him the importance of rest and recovery.

Comeback and redemption

After his recovery, Tilak made a strong comeback, earning a national call-up following an impressive IPL 2023 season.
He has since represented India in four ODIs and 32 T20Is, cementing his place in the squad. His defining moment came on September 28, when his match-winning knock against Pakistan helped India lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.