Tilak Varma Breaks Silence on Pakistan’s Sledging, Leads India to Asia Cup Glory

Sports News: Middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who was the hero of India's victory in the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai, said the best response to the taunting and aggression of the Pakistani players was victory. He played an unbeaten 69-run innings in the final, which played a crucial role in India's title win. Upon arriving in Hyderabad on Monday night, Tilak said there was some pressure and tension at the start of the final. He said, "I put my country first. I knew that if I succumbed to the pressure, I would not only disappoint myself but also 1.4 billion countrymen."

Reliance on Basics and Composure

Tilak said that he relied on the basics he learned from his coach in his early days and batted accordingly. He admitted that the Pakistani players sledged him heavily during the match, but he chose to remain silent and maintain the team's focus.

"We lost three wickets early, and the atmosphere became quite heated. I came in to bat early, but didn't say anything to anyone and didn't play any unnecessary shots. Our victory was the biggest answer," Tilak said.

No Pressure in the Final Over

Tilak explained that India needed 10 runs in the final over, but even then, he felt no pressure. He strategized for each ball and focused solely on winning for the country. "I'm proud I could do it," he said.

A Special Innings of a Career

Tilak described his innings in the final as one of the best innings of his career. He said, "This innings is as special to me as the 72-run innings I played against England in Chennai. The match-winning innings against Pakistan is even more special than my two centuries."

Next Goal: T20 World Cup

Tilak said that after the joy of winning the Asia Cup, his focus is now on the T20 World Cup 2026. He stated that his goal is to lead India to victory in the World Cup. Tilak said, "Winning the World Cup is my dream, and I want to work hard to achieve it." This victory, and Tilak's calm and composed innings, proved that even the most formidable challenges can be overcome with patience, strategy, and patriotism.