Sun Feb 02 03:32:58 IST 2025: ## From Fan to Witness: Electrician’s Son Hits Winning Runs for India

**Hyderabad, India** – Namboori Nagaraju, a Hyderabad-based electrician, remembers listening to cricket commentary on the radio during his college days. Little did he know he would one day be watching his son, Tilak Varma, hit the winning runs for India at an airport. This dream, however, came at a significant cost.

Nagaraju’s journey to supporting Tilak’s cricketing ambitions involved immense financial strain. He worked tirelessly, juggling his regular job with part-time repairs, often working until midnight and waking up before dawn. “Sometimes there was no sleep at all,” he recalled, describing the sacrifices made to nurture his son’s talent. Initially hoping his sons would become doctors, Nagaraju ultimately supported their sporting dreams after Tilak’s inspiring declaration that he wanted to achieve global recognition through sports.

Tilak’s path wasn’t easy. Under the rigorous tutelage of coach Salam Bayash, he faced grueling training sessions and challenging setbacks, including an initial rejection from the U-14 Hyderabad team. Bayash’s strategic guidance, including arranging a meeting with Tilak’s idol Suresh Raina, proved pivotal in boosting his confidence and commitment. Despite an initial IPL auction snub, Bayash’s tough love and Tilak’s perseverance led to a lucrative contract with Mumbai Indians.

The family’s life transformed. Nagaraju vividly remembers the elation of watching Tilak’s IPL auction success, a moment that marked a turning point in their financial situation. The bond between Tilak and his coach also extended beyond the cricket field. When Bayash fell critically ill, Tilak dedicatedly supported him, showcasing the deep respect he holds for his mentors.

Hyderabad Head Coach Vineet Saxena praised Tilak’s work ethic, humility, and adaptability. While Tilak has excelled in T20Is, Saxena believes he has the potential to shine in all formats of the game, requiring only further experience at the highest level. Nagaraju’s story is a testament to the unwavering dedication of a father and the determination of a young cricketer who overcame numerous hurdles to achieve international success.

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