13 February 2022. Approximately 3:12 PM IST.

The moment when a lesser-known Tilak Varma made his way into the #OneFamily! 😎 Let’s rewind to that day a bit, shall we?

With a base price of 10 lakh, SRH and RR pushed the paddle war to 55 lakh before MI and CSK entered the fray. What followed next was a neck-to-neck battle to gain the services of a potential superstar. 

At 1.70 cr, which proved to be the winning bid, the 19-year-old sensation was finally wreathed in Blue and Gold, destined for success! Tilak wasn’t just another youngster with promise, he was Mumbai’s next big thing. 🔥

Fans were excited by the prospect of signing the talented N. Tilak Varma & we duly listened! 🤝

Welcome to #OneFamily 💙#MumbaiIndians #AalaRe #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/ffAuCgmdIE

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 13, 2022

Fast-forward to now and our boy has grown into the STARBOY - a mix of poise, power and pure passion. Every time he takes guard, there’s a calm before the storm. He doesn’t flinch under pressure; he thrives in it. 

Whether it’s rescuing the innings from a tricky start or finishing off with flair, Tilak’s maturity belies his age. The numbers say it loud… 1,499 runs at an average of 37.47 in 51 innings since his debut, proving consistency isn’t just for the veterans. 🤘

What makes him special though? It’s that raw, natural spark that’s been sculpted into brilliance under the MI umbrella. He’s grown from a young prodigy into a certified match-winner - a player who can change games, all thanks to his CLASSS batting.

…And what can we say about the bond between him and his teammates? Unbreakable. Proper मित्र मंडळ. Every boundary he hits, every smile he flashes, it’s like Mumbai’s heartbeat syncing with his. 💙

So, here’s wishing a smashing birthday to THE TILAK VARMA, our STARBOY, our pride. 🥳 Enjoy your special day to the fullest!