Tilak Varma Reveals How Pakistan Attempted To Distract Him During Asia Cup Final: ‘A Lot…’ | Cricket News

Tilak Varma absorbed immense pressure to play a match-winning innings in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan after India had lost three early wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. On a pitch that was tricky for batting, Tilak kept a cool head to stitch crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube to help India overhaul the target of 147 in 19.4 overs.

Tilak revealed how Pakistani players tried to disturb his focus with verbal volleys, but he evaded the trap and only reacted once the job was done, preferring to respond with his bat.

And some reply it was as Tilak peeled off an unbeaten half-century – 69 off 53 with the help of three fours and four sixes – to win player-of-the-final ward.

“They (Pakistan) came hard at me,” Tilak told reporters in Hyderabad on Tuesday. “I have always said I want to win matches. So, I followed all the basics, didn’t say anything during the match.”

When asked what exactly was said, Tilak replied, “A lot happened. It (verbale exchange) keeps happening between batters and bowlers. I can’t say everything. The real reply is when you win the match with the bat.”

Tilak said he was determined to win the contest for his country and relied on the basics.

“Of course we were under pressure (in the final against Pakistan). Country always comes first and I was determined to give my life. I relied on the things that I’ve learnt since I was a kid,” said the 22-year-old.

Pakistan’s Verbal Taunts

During the sixth over of India’s chase, when Tilak was in the beginning phase of his innings, stump mic captured a Pakistani player sledging the youngster.

“Yeh Mumbai nahi hai. Yeh IPL nahi hai. (This is not Mumbai [Indians]. This is not the IPL),” wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris said while drawing reference to Tilak’s IPL franchise MI.