Tilak Varma has revealed how he dealt with the high-pressure atmosphere of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, admitting that “a lot happened in the middle” but insisting that his true response came with the bat.
Chasing 147 in Dubai, India were in deep trouble at 20/3 before Varma held his nerve and produced a match-winning 69 off 53 balls*. The left-hander anchored the innings with steady partnerships — first a 57-run stand with Sanju Samson (24) and later a decisive 60-run partnership off 40 balls with Shivam Dube (33). His calm presence at the crease ensured India sealed their ninth Asia Cup title with two balls to spare.
Varma explained that his mindset has always been “country first”, and that thought guided him through the tense chase.
“Of course, nerves were there — so much was going on in my mind and body. But India always comes first. Whatever I do, I dedicate everything to the country. If I give in to pressure, I don’t just let myself down, I let down 1.4 billion people. So I stay calm, rely on my basics, and stick to what my coaches have taught me since childhood,” Varma told reporters after India’s triumph.
“Real reply comes after the match”
The 22-year-old also revealed that Pakistan players attempted to unsettle him with constant sledging, but he chose not to respond during the game. Instead, he let his bat do the talking.
“Yes, definitely — a lot happened. I can’t say everything on camera. These things are part of India-Pakistan matches. They tried to distract me, but I stayed quiet. The real reply comes after the match — and the best answer is with the bat. That’s what I did,” Varma said with a smile.
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With his composure, maturity, and match-winning knock, Tilak Varma has already drawn comparisons to India’s legendary chase-master Virat Kohli. But for the young star, the focus remains simple — putting India first and delivering when it matters the most.
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