Tilak Varma Responds To Pakistan Sledging In Asia Cup Final: ‘I Wanted To Say…’ | Cricket News

Indian all-rounder Tilak Varma said he wanted his ‘bat to do the talking’ in reply of Pakistan’s sledging in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday. Varma top-scored with a brilliant 69, which began in the powerplay when India had lost three wickets in the chase of 147, and concluded unbeaten in the last over, as the Men in Blue beat Pakistan with five wickets to spare.

Tilak won the Player of the Match for his knock. He was repeatedly sledged during the match, with some videos catching Pakistani players telling him that he wasn’t playing in Mumbai or in the Indian Premier League.

“I wanted my bat to do the talking. They were saying a lot of things I just wanted to respond with my bat. Now they are not visible on the ground,” said Tilak in a chat with teammate Shivam Dube on BCCI.TV.

The Hyderabadi star took inspiration from the Indian crowd at the ground, too.

“The chants of Vande Matram in the stands gave me goosebumps. I just want to say Bharat mata ki jai,” added Tilak.

The 60-run partnership between Dube and Tilak played a pivotal role in India clinching the Asia Cup with two balls remaining.

“I think my bat did the talking as well, they did not have much to say to me,” Dube joked in the video.

In addition to scoring a crucial 33 in the middle-order, Dube faced the tough task of bowling the first over of the game in the absence of the injured Hardik Pandya. Although there were serious doubts about his bowling not long ago, Dube excelled in this challenge.

“There is a lot of hard work behind my bowling and prayers of Indian team supporters. The management has given a lot of support and confidence. It was a crucial game and I got a big opportunity. It was fun,” Dube concluded.