Asia Cup 2025: ‘I replied to them perfectly’ – Tilak Varma reflects on beating Pakistan in final

Tilak Varma (Photo by Surjeet Yadav/MB Media/Getty Images)

Indian cricketer Tilak Varma, hero of the Asia Cup 2025 final, spoke for the first time after returning from Dubai to his hometown, Hyderabad. Varma scored an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, guiding the Men in Blue to their ninth Asia Cup title on Sunday, September 28.

Varma revealed that the Pakistan players tried to dominate the game when India had lost three wickets. He maintained his composure and played strategically, responding effectively after India’s eventual victory. The left-hander struck three fours and four sixes to seal the match and celebrated passionately after leading India to triumph.

“They (Pakistani players) tried hard and were coming at us once we were three down, but for me it was important to remain calm and play well to win the match. After winning, I replied to them perfectly, and everyone had seen it,” said Varma to the reporters.

India defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup 2025, first in the Group Stage, then in the Super Fours, and finally in the summit clash. In the Group Stage, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav played a crucial role in chasing down Pakistan’s target. In the Super Four match, openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill dominated from the start, ensuring a comfortable victory.

The final saw Pakistan post 146 runs, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring at 57. Indian left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav starred with a four-wicket haul, helping India restrict the opposition. India chased the target with just two balls to spare, as Rinku Singh struck the winning runs, sealing India’s ninth Asia Cup title.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed as the Indian team did not receive a formal trophy presentation and returned home without the silverware. Despite the triumph on the field, tensions lingered between the teams due to the controversy.

Most Indian players have now moved on to their next assignments. Some are participating in the ODI series against Australia A, while others, including key players, are preparing for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, beginning October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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