Mike Hesson reveals Tilak Varma was on RCB's radar; regrets not pushing for batter in IPL auction

Former director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mike Hesson, revealed a fascinating tale of the one that got away during an IPL auction – left-handed aggressive batter Tilak Varma. Hesson disclosed that Varma was a prime target for the Royal Challengers, but destiny had other plans as they went all in for right-hander Rajat Patidar.

Tilak Varma has donned the blue jersey of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League since 2022. He was bought by the 5-time champions on February 2022 during the mega auction for the expanded edition IPL which saw the number of teams increase from 8 to 10. He was bought for 1.5 crores by the Ambani-backed franchise for 1.7 crores and they had to get involved in a tug-of-war with CSK, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

His meteoric rise in the Indian cricketing circuit has been nothing short of sensational. With his exquisite shot selection, unwavering aggression, intent, and fearless approach against any bowler, Varma has carved a niche for himself. But it has mainly happened through his consistent performances in the IPL.

Tilak Varma scored 397 on his debut season by playing all 14 league matches and last year he amassed 343 runs out of 11 matches at a 164 strike rate. That paved the way for his maiden call-up to the Indian T20I side during the West Indies tour in August 2023.

Barely a month later, Varma received another feather in his cap with a call-up to the ODI side, debuting in the Asia Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh in Colombo. However, it was during India’s all-format tour of South Africa that Varma truly stamped his mark. In the third ODI in Paarl, the Hyderabad-born cricketer showcased his class by notching up a gritty half-century with 52 runs to his name.

Varma’s journey epitomizes the quintessential rags-to-riches story. With an abundance of talent and a hunger for success, he is undeniably one of the brightest prospects for Indian cricket. As he continues to evolve and flourish, Varma is poised to be a stalwart in the future of Indian cricket and Mike Hesson, who parted ways with RCB, claimed the biggest mistake they made was not going aggressively for Tilak Varma.

“Wish we pushed a little harder” – Mike Hesson on RCB missing out on Tilak Varma

When the interviewer asked Mike Hesson who is that one player they regret not acquiring in an IPL auction, the Kiwi replied Tilak Varma as RCB were looking for a good left-hander but instead went for Rajat Patidar, something they were regretful about.

Mike Hesson: 'Tilak Varma was on our radar'

On players he missed out during the auction pic.twitter.com/m85j8ByMYW

— r/RCB (@rcb_reddit) February 18, 2024

“I think Tilak Varma was the one, he was in our scouting list. But at that time we went for Patidar, you know we needed to make a decision on who we want going forward. It would have been nice having a left-hander in the top-order. There was a lot of talk that he was suspectable against the short ball domestically. So, he’s one that, you know I wish we pushed a little harder for in hindsight but he has proven that he is a high-quality player,” Mike Hesson told Cricket.com.