New Delhi: Like every other young boy from an Indian household, Tilak Varma too started playing tennis ball cricket on the streets and dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer. But unlike millions of talented young hopefuls who fail to make the cut, Tilak found his calling after being spotted by coach Salim Bayash. The local coach saw something special in Tilak and decided to take him under his wing. This is where Tilak’s real journey began.

The 11-year-old boy playing tennis-ball cricket in the streets had found the platform at the Legala Cricket Academy in Lingampally that became the launchpad for his success. From travelling over 40 kilometres each way to practice at the academy to flying with Indian cricketers to play in big international tournaments, Tilak has come a long way.

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