I could have died in hours: Tilak Varma opens up about Rhabdomyolysis; What you need to know

Tilak Varma opens up about his life-threatening battle with rhabdomyolysis on Breakfast with Champions, shares how overexertion led to a rare muscle breakdown condition. (Image: Reuters)

In a candid conversation with Gaurav Kapoor on Breakfast with Champions, Indian cricketer Tilak Varma shared a horrifying experience from 2022 when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis—a rare but possibly fatal condition caused by the rapid breakdown of muscle tissue. The 22-year-old left-handed batter revealed that after his first IPL season, he overexerted himself in the gym and continued relentless training without adequate recovery that led to severe muscle damage.

“After the first IPL, I faced some health issues,” said Tilak. “I was pushing hard to make it to the Test team, playing domestic cricket, A series, attending camps and even on rest days I would be in the gym and in that process, I neglected recovery and didn’t allow my body the time it needed to heal. Later I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis.”

He recalled an incident during a match where his gloves had to be cut off because his fingers weren't moving. “My nerves were so stiff I could not move my fingers, my gloves had to be cut off,” he said.

"They hospitalised me immediately, the doctors told me if you had delayed a few more hours the disease could have been fatal. My muscles were so stiff that even the IV needles would break. I struggled so much in the hospital, my mother had to hand feed me for a month", he said.

Rhabdomyolysis, or "rhabdo" for short, occurs when skeletal muscle breaks down at an unusual rate. The damaged muscles release substances such as myoglobin into the blood. Small amounts don't cause harm, but too much can harm the kidneys, throw off electrolyte balance, and in bad cases, lead to heart problems.

Even if this condition is not that common, it can occur when you are pushing your body too hard, getting injured, or taking certain drugs. People who play sports, like Tilak, have a higher risk of getting diagnosed with this condition if they train too much or don't rest enough.

• Rhabdomyolysis can show up in mild or severe ways:
• Pain, tenderness, or weakness in muscles in the shoulders, thighs, or lower back
• Swollen or stiff muscles in affected areas
• Urine that looks dark, like tea is a key sign
• Vomiting, fatigue or having a sick to stomach
• Feeling sick or confused

If you notice these signs after a tough workout, you need to see a doctor right away.

Medical professionals identify rhabdomyolysis by running blood tests to check creatine kinase (CK) levels and examining urine for myoglobin. They also evaluate kidney function to make sure no harmful substances are damaging these organs.

Hydration: IV fluids help to clear out harmful substances and shield the kidneys.

Medications: In certain situations, doctors use sodium bicarbonate or mannitol to boost urine production and reduce kidney stress.

Dialysis: To support kidney function in severe cases, temporary dialysis may be necessary.

“I was lucky,” Tilak says, reflecting on the support he received.. However, his openness serves as a reminder for anyone who overexerts their body to pay attention to your muscles, and don't disregard warning indications.

Only proper rest, careful monitoring of physical strain, and prompt medical attention can determine between a minor setback and a life-threatening emergency.

Rhabdomyolysis may be rare, but it’s serious. Whether you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, balancing exertion with recovery, staying hydrated, and seeking immediate care for unusual muscle pain can protect your health — and sometimes, save your life.

Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by extreme physical exertion, severe muscle injury, or the use of certain drugs.

Athletes, especially those who push their bodies too hard without adequate rest, are at higher risk. It can also affect individuals who experience severe muscle trauma or take specific medications.

Key symptoms include muscle pain, tenderness, stiffness, dark-coloured urine, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion.

Doctors diagnose it through blood tests checking creatine kinase (CK) levels and urine tests for myoglobin, along with kidney function evaluations.

Treatment includes hydration with IV fluids, medications like sodium bicarbonate or mannitol to boost urine production, and in severe cases, temporary dialysis.