Star Indian batter Tilak Varma believes the gulf in quality between the Indian and Pakistan teams is too big at the moment and that the Men in Green aren`t really a tough competition for the Men in Blue. The southpaw played an incredible knock of 69 (not out) off just 53 balls as India defeated Pakistan in a thrilling encounter in the Asia Cup 2025 final by five wickets on September 28.
Earlier, Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav had claimed in a post-match press conference that India and Pakistan should no longer be termed as a `rivalry`. While there were mixed reactions to this statement from the cricketing fraternity, Tilak agreed with his captain`s statement. The southpaw also stated that there was a bit of pressure on him as India had lost three wickets for just 20 runs while trying to chase 146 in the final match of Asia Cup 2025. However, he let his willpower overcome all the pressure and delivered another clutch performance.
Here`s what Tilak Varma had to say to the media about Pakistan:
“I agree with what Surya bhai (Surya Kumar Yadav) said, that it (Pakistan) is no competition. But we change our strategy from match to match…There indeed was pressure; a lot was going on in my mind. But the country is above everything else. India is at the top. So, I was determined to give everything for my country. I tried to be calm,” said the 22-year-old.
Varma also shed light on the chirping that was going on from the Pakistan players towards the Indians throughout the game. Tensions sore high between the two teams, especially after the Men in Blue decided not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. However, the southpaw`s focus was to get the job done.
“During the match, I was just focusing on my basics, I was not ready to answer them. Whatever I want to tell them I told them after the match and not when the game was going on. There were a lot of things happening in the middle but I can`t reveal all of them. Those things happen in India vs Pakistan matches and they are part of the game. But our focus was on winning the match,” Tilak concluded.
(With ANI Inputs)