Middle-order batsman Tilak Varma on Tuesday labeled India's Asia Cup victory as the "best response" to Pakistan's on-field belligerence, sharing how he conquered initial jitters and pressure in the final before leading the team to an eight-wicket win with an unbeaten half-century.
Tilak's steady knock of 69 not out enabled India to chase down Pakistan's 147-run target by five wickets in the title decider in Dubai on Sunday.
"Some pressure and nervousness was there in the beginning. But I have kept my country above everything else and I had desired to win the match for the country. I realized if I gave in to the pressure at that moment I would be disappointing myself and 140 crore people of the country," Tilak spoke after coming back from Dubai late on Monday night.
I thought in the fundamentals which I was taught as a young cricketer by my coaches and delivered it. The best response to them was to win the game and that is what we did," he said.
The young batsman confessed Pakistan players were involved in intense sledging during the final, but he decided to remain cool when India's innings were under threat.
We lost three wickets suddenly and things were slightly heated up then. I had to bat a little earlier than usual. But I didn't say anything or hit a reckless shot to let the team and country down," he recalled.
Tilak revealed that he reacted to the opposition only after the match was sealed.
"Playing the match, I was simply concentrating on my basics, I was not prepared to answer them. Whatever I wish to inform them I informed them after the match and not while the game was underway.".
"There was a lot going on in the middle but I am not disclosing all of that. These things do happen in India vs Pakistan matches and it is all part of the game. But we were thinking about how to win the match," he replied.
India required 10 runs off the final over bowled by Haris Rauf, but Tilak added that he was confident in that crucial moment.
"I was never under pressure (in the final over). I was aware that I will win the match. I was just concentrating on my country and was concentrating on one ball at a time. I trusted myself to perform for the country and I am really proud of it," he clarified.
Looking back on the team's performance, Tilak attributed partnerships to rendering the chase feasible on a tough wicket.
"I concur with Surya bhai's 'no rivalry' but this is sport and we had understood that they will turn up all guns blazing for the final.
"We were aware of that and we were ready when they dropped the pace off the ball and also the pitch was not an easy one to bat on. We forged some decent partnerships and won the game and are proud of it," he said.
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