Tilak Varma got fired to play one of the most pivotal innings of his career by the Pakistani players who had “a lot to say” to him as he approached the crease during the Asia Cup final.
India were in a bit of bother after losing early wickets when Tilak walked in. With tempers running high between the two sides, he faced plenty of chatter from the opposition, but he stayed calm and delivered a batting masterclass under pressure.
“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.
India won the Asia Cup with two balls remaining thanks to the 60-run partnership between Dube and Tilak. Tilak scored 69 off 53 balls to remain unbeaten.
“I think my bat did the talking as well, they did not have much to say to me,” said Dube in a light-hearted conversation.
Tilak went on to say that the stadium’s energy inspired him to perform well in a crucial match.
“The chants of Vande Mataram in the stands gave me goosebumps. I just want to say Bharat mata ki jai,” added Tilak.
In addition to the vital middle-order score of 33, Dube faced the difficult task of bowling the opening over of the match with Hardik Pandya missing out due to injury. Dube passed the bowling test with flying colors, even though there were significant doubts about his bowling not so long ago.
“There is a lot of hard work behind (my bowling) and prayers of Indian team supporters. Lot of support and confidence has been given by the management. It was crucial game, I got a big opportunity. It was fun,” concluded Dube.
