Suryakumar Yadav better than Hardik Pandya? Tilak Varma breaks silence on bond with MI teammates

Tilak Varma has opened up about his close relationships with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. Tilak Varma highlighted the positive impact of his great camaraderie with the Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav on his performance.

The Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma, who made his T20I debut under Hardik's captaincy, shared how their bond goes beyond the field, with the star Indian all-rounder offering support and valuable advice, especially when it comes to batting and other aspects of the game.

Tilak Varma opens up about strong bond with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav

Tilak Varma said on Star Sports: “Actually, it's a good experience. I made my T20I debut under him. I took the cap from him. So, it's a very good experience. And we played together last year. So, he always backs the players. And if we make any mistakes, he keeps telling them. So, our relationship is very good.”

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Speaking about Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak revealed their strong off-field relationship played a key role in their smooth on-field chemistry. Having spent considerable time together in both the Indian cricket team and Mumbai Indians, Tilak said that they share an exceptional understanding.

The environment Surya bhai sets, it has a lot of impact in the field: Tilak Varma

The 23-year-old MI star further noted, “Our relationship is very good. We have a very good relationship off the field as well. So, the environment that Surya bhai sets, in the Indian team and Mumbai Indians as well, has a lot of impact in the field. So, by having a good relationship, we have a good understanding of the field as well.”

The left-handed batter also noted that their connection is so strong that they often communicate without needing words, especially when running between the wickets. Tilak emphasized how the mutual respect and trust between them help them to deliver on the field.

Tilak signed off by saying, “Sometimes, we have to give a call that we have completed two runs. Sometimes, we don't even give a call. Because we have that understanding. The off-field relationship makes a difference on the field as well. So, we have a good, strong bond, and it's very beneficial.”

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Mumbai Indians hope to end Delhi Capitals' winning streak in IPL 2025

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will be facing Delhi Capitals in the 29th game of the ongoing IPL 2025 on Sunday, April 13, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. While MI lost four of their five games, Delhi Capitals are the only unbeaten team in the ongoing IPL 2025 so far.

The Capitals have won four back-to-back matches and are looking incredibly strong with both bat and ball. Speaking about head-to-head records, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals have always had an exciting rivalry, with MI leading 19-16 in their 35 encounters so far in the IPL.

The competition has been close since 2022, with Mumbai holding a slight advantage of 3-2. However, when it comes to their matchups at the venue, Delhi has been more successful, winning 7 out of the 12 times they've faced off there, including their most recent win in the last season.