Tilak Varma recently revealed the heated exchange of words that took place during his brilliant unbeaten 69 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final.
The young batsman explained how he remained calm under pressure, not only withstood the sledging of Pakistani players, but also led India to a five-wicket victory.
Tilak said that his innings was the best way to respond to an aggressive opponent.
Facing Pakistan’s Sledging
India were set a target of 147 runs in the final played in Dubai. Tilak said,
“After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan came hard on us.”
Initially, India lost three wickets quickly, after which the atmosphere became heated. Pakistani players engaged in a lot of sledging, but Tilak remained silent and focused on his game.
He said, “During the match, I was just focusing on my basics, I was not ready to answer them. Whatever I wanted to tell them, I told them after the match and not when the game was going on.”
Tilak relied on the basics he learned from his coaches and remained calm under pressure. His strategy paid off, and India won the match by scoring 10 runs off Haris Rauf in the final over.
Tilak said, “I was calm under pressure (in the last over). I knew I would win the game. I was just thinking about my country and was focusing on one ball at a time.”
Crediting the team for the win
Tilak described this innings as one of his best innings ever.
He said, “Of course, playing in the Asia Cup, that too against Pakistan under pressure, is one of the greatest feelings.”
Key partnerships also played a major role in this victory. Tilak echoed captain Suryakumar Yadav’s statement, saying that the pitch wasn’t easy to bat on, but the team performed brilliantly together.
He credited his childhood coaches for his success.
Tilak said, “My coaches, Salam (Bayash) sir and Prithvi sir, are everything to me, and they’ve done a lot for me.”
Now his next target is the T20 World Cup to be held in India next year, for which he is fully prepared. Tilak said that he will not rest until he wins the World Cup.
