In a refreshing break from the high-pressure IPL grind, Mumbai Indians’ young batting sensation Tilak Varma recently enjoyed a friendly yet competitive game of pickleball with popular actor Vijay Deverakonda. The fun showdown unfolded just days before MI’s crucial clash against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on May 6.

The casual game wasn’t without stakes. The two sides agreed on a playful bet — if Tilak’s team lost, they’d owe a favor to Vijay. But if Tilak’s side won, the actor would sport the Mumbai Indians jersey. Vijay and his partner edged past Tilak’s team 2-1 in a thrilling three-set contest, taking the bragging rights. Despite the relaxed setting, the match was full of energy and laughter, with both teams giving it their all.

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“We’ve got a bet going. If we lose, we do something for Vijay Anna,” Tilak quipped during the game. Vijay responded with a grin, saying, “If we win, I wear the Mumbai Indians jersey.” This isn’t Tilak’s first pickleball experience — he was recently seen enjoying the sport with teammate Rohit Sharma and his daughter Samaira.

🍿𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘 🤝 𝘼𝘾𝘾𝙀𝙋𝙏𝙀𝘿 😂#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai | @TilakV9 @TheDeverakonda pic.twitter.com/y80ZqGbJzo

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 5, 2025

Back on the field, Tilak Varma will look to continue his consistent run in IPL 2025. With 239 runs in eight innings, including two half-centuries, the 22-year-old southpaw has been a steady performer for MI, aiming to secure a top-two spot. Both Mumbai and Gujarat sit on 14 points, making their upcoming face-off pivotal in the playoff race.

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Gujarat, meanwhile, will depend heavily on top-order stars Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, along with returning pace ace Kagiso Rabada, to challenge Mumbai’s stronghold at the Wankhede.