Tilak Varma showed nerves of steel in the Asia Cup 2025 final, producing a match-winning knock when India needed it most. Walking in after three early wickets had fallen on a challenging Dubai surface, the 22-year-old stayed composed, built crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, and guided India to a successful chase of 147 with four balls to spare.
His unbeaten 69 off 53 balls — decorated with three fours and four sixes — earned him the Player of the Final award and sealed India’s ninth Asia Cup title. But behind that calm exterior, Tilak revealed, was a storm of provocation from the opposition.
Pakistan’s Verbal Attacks – And Tilak’s Perfect Reply
Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad after the final, Tilak admitted that Pakistan’s players tried their best to throw him off his game with sledging and constant chatter.
“They (Pakistan) came hard at me,” he said. “I have always said I want to win matches. So, I followed all the basics and didn’t say anything during the match.”
Tilak explained that while the verbal volleys were intense, he preferred not to engage and instead let his bat do the talking. “A lot happened. It keeps happening between batters and bowlers. I can’t say everything. The real reply is when you win the match with the bat.”
Determined to Deliver for His Country
Tilak also spoke about the pressure of the occasion and his unwavering focus on the bigger picture — playing for India.
“Of course, we were under pressure,” he said. “Country always comes first and I was determined to give my life. I relied on the things I’ve learnt since I was a kid.”
“This Isn’t Mumbai Indians” – The Sledge Caught on Stump Mic
During the sixth over of India’s chase, when Tilak was still settling in, stump mics caught Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris attempting to unsettle him. “Yeh Mumbai nahi hai. Yeh IPL nahi hai,” Haris shouted — a jab at Tilak’s IPL team, Mumbai Indians.
But Tilak didn’t flinch. Instead, he responded in the best way possible — with an innings that silenced the opposition and powered India to a memorable win on one of the biggest stages.
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