Multiple players from the Indian Premier League franchise (IPL) Mumbai Indians (MI) donned the Indian cricket team jersey at the highest stage of cricket, including India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. During a YouTube podcast, he credited Mumbai Indians for grooming multiple talents over the years who have done some remarkable jobs for the nation.

Yadav dragged MI into the discussion because of Tilak Varma. They were discussing Tilak Varma's Asia Cup 2025 final match-winning knock before mentioning the multi-time IPL-winning franchise. Who is Tilak, who batted with so much confidence and composure? In reply, Surya focused on his background, from which he groomed himself. Like Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma also played for the Mumbai Indians.

For Yadav, the Mumbai-based franchise is the "Gurukul," where an emerging cricketer can polish his skills with methodical training and discipline. As Varma played multiple matches for MI, Surya claimed that the 22-year-old already knew how to handle pressure situations before the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final match. 

Read More: 'Wo Bahar Se Sayad Kuch...'- Suryakumar Yadav Discuss How Gautam Gambhir Helped Him From Outside of Field During Asia Cup 2025

Mumbai Indians is the institute: Suryakumar Yadav 

"Before Team India, we played for the Mumbai Indians; it was like a Gurukul, an institute, for us. Mumbai Indians is the foundation where players are built. When we play for Mumbai Indians, we already feel the pressure, so when we play for India, we just try to replicate what we did for Mumbai Indians," Suryakumar Yadav said. 

Meanwhile, in the Asia Cup 2025 final, he scored 69 not out against 53 deliveries with three 4s and four 6s. India won the match by 5 wickets, chasing a target of 147 runs.

Tilak Varma became the main hero for Team India in the final of the Asia Cup 2025. In the final match against Pakistan, the young middle-order batter played an unbeaten 69-run innings to ensure India's victory in the summit clash over the archrival. At the age of only 22, the amount of temperament and maturity he showed was remarkable. How did he play a match-winning knock under pressure?

During the latest discussion in a YouTube podcast, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed how the head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir, supported Tilak Varma during the run chase. Yadav said that the match was by then almost under their control. But the pressure was always there.

For a 22-year-old batter, performing in front of a huge crowd is not an easy task. Yadav claims that during the drinks break, Gautam Gambhir perhaps sent Tilak a message: remain until the end of the match. 

Read More: WATCH: Harshit Rana arrives separately in a BMW car at Gautam Gambhir's home ahead of IND vs WI 2nd Test

Gambhir advised Tilak how to play 

"Tilak already prepared tha. Agar aap dekho, reverse sweep, switch hit unka favorite shot hain. Final mein unhone ekbar bhi wo shot nehi khela... Unko situation pata tha. Halaki jab pehla drink break hua, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) sayad gaye bhi the ander, unhone bhi bola hoga ki bas khara rahe ant tak (Tilak Varma was already prepared. If you noticed, during the innings he never played his favorite sweep shot, switch shot... He knew the situation very well. Still, during the first drinks break, Gautam Gambhir himself told him to stay on the wicket until the end)," Yadav said about Varma's batting and Gambhir's way of keeping his composure under pressure. 

In the Asia Cup 2025 final, the southpaw scored 69 not out against 53 deliveries with three 4s and four 6s. India won the match by 5 wickets, chasing a target of 147 runs.

The left-handed batter of the Mumbai Indians, Tilak Varma, has been in incredible form during the final of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Coming at a tough position of 3/20 in four overs during the chase, the southpaw smashed an unbeaten 69 runs in 53 balls at a strike rate of 130.18 with the help of three boundaries and four over boundaries. 

A video has gone viral on social media from the Mumbai Indians franchise, where someone recalled that the batter that the crowd was shouting for was not from Mumbai during a game. In response, Varma stated that, although he had been in Mumbai, he was still part of the team.

See Also: [WATCH] Beth Mooney's masterclass century fights for Australia during AUS vs PAK clash in Women's World Cup 2025

Varma has smashed 962 runs in 30 innings of the shortest format at an average of 53.44 and a strike rate of 149.14, with the help of four half-centuries and two centuries at the best score of unbeaten 120 runs. In 51 IPL innings, he clubbed 1499 runs at an average of 37.47 and a strike rate of 144.41 with eight fifties at the best score of unbeaten 84 runs.

Watch: Tilak Varma shows swag as Mumbai Indians post viral video

When Tilak walked into the middle during the Asia Cup 2025 final, he aimed to stand there in the middle, holding one end, besides making sure that the required run rate stays inside their territory. He played a sensational and balanced knock, which helped them get over the finishing line.

 

 

 

 

 

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During the last season of the IPL for the Mumbai Indians, the left-handed batter shouldered the responsibility several times. He smashed 343 runs in 13 innings at an average of 31.18 and a strike rate of around 140 with the help of two half-centuries at the best score of 59.

Tilak will look to break into the ODI side of the Indian team. Upon his return from the Asia Cup 2025, he featured in a couple of unofficial ODIs against Australia A for India A in Kanpur.

Asia Cup 2025 champions, the Indian players are returning home with celebration, while the Final hero Tilak Varma has been welcomed home with a grand celebration, which he deserves completely.

Watch: Tilak Varma receiving grand welcome

The 22-year-old Indian cricketer Tilak Varma returned to his city Hyderabad on Monday (September 29), where he got a crazy welcome. While Tilak showed himself from the car roof, the public was crazy, and cameras and mics were surrounding the cricketer. 

#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | Indian Cricketer Tilak Varma receives a rousing welcome as he arrives in Hyderabad.

He was announced 'Man of the Match' in yesterday's #AsiaCupFinal against Pakistan as India won by 5 wickets. pic.twitter.com/Acedj2HOjA

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2025

See Also: 'YES, THE RUMOURS ARE TRUE!' – Jasprit Bumrah drops cryptic post after Asia Cup 2025 triumph

Asia Cup 2025 Final, India vs Pakistan: Tilak Varma won Player of the Match award for match-winning 69 not out

Last Sunday (September 28), India faced Pakistan in the Final of the Asia Cup 2025. While India previously thrashed Pakistan in their group stage and Super Fours meetings in the tournament, the Asia Cup 2025 Final was a thriller. After India sent Pakistan to bat first, the arch-rivals were once dominating at 113/1, but then they were bundled out for 146 runs, as Indian spinners and Jasprit Bumrah dominated with the ball in the late moments of the innings, as Pakistan lost the last nine wickets for 33 runs.

However, it was a tricky pitch, where the run chase became very difficult, especially when India were struggling at 20/3 in four overs. In that tough moment, Tilak Varma showed his true calibre, as his calm batting guided Men in Blues to victory to secure the Asia Cup trophy for the ninth time. While Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33) provided him crucial support, and Rinku Singh (4*) scored the match-winning run, Tilak scored 69 not out off 53 balls with three fours and four sixes, as he won the Player of the Match award in the Asia Cup 2025 Final. 

India beat Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 by an exciting five wickets to win their record ninth title. While on the ground, Tilak Varma shone with his match-winning innings, off the field, the non-playing XI Arshdeep Singh was trending on social media. After the match, he recreated the popular meme “final match you perform, what’s happening?” with Tilak, and the clip quickly went viral among fans.

Chasing a target of 147, India suffered an early collapse as Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf struck with the new ball, leaving the Men in Blue at 20/3. Tilak Varma was calm and in control and hit a match-winning 69* off 53 balls. He built key partnerships with Sanju Samson, who made 24, and Shivam Dube, who smashed 33 off 21 balls. Tilak’s calm batting under pressure ensured India crossed the line with two balls to spare.

Pakistan had earlier started strongly. Sahibzada Farhan’s half-century guided them to 107/1 after 12 overs, and they looked set for a big score. But Kuldeep Yadav turned the game on its head with a brilliant spell of 4/30. Pakistan collapsed dramatically, losing nine wickets for just 33 runs, and was bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.

Arshdeep’s Meme Moment with Tilak

After the game, Arshdeep Singh joined Tilak Varma in a fun reel that stole the limelight online. In the clip, Arshdeep asked Tilak, “Final match you perform, what’s happening?” Tilak first replied, “Nothing happening, no one to tell, ground is empty.” When Arshdeep repeated the question, Tilak smiled and changed his answer: “A lot of happening, winning celebration, and lot of happening.” Fans loved the light-hearted exchange, making it one of the night’s most shared moments.

Watch the video here

That's how legends are born 🔥#INDvsPAK #AsiaCupFinal #tilakvarma #bumrah pic.twitter.com/L3hb2zdRni

— Hemant Dangi (@mphemantdangi) September 28, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] Abhishek Sharma cooks Shaheen Afridi after IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

The post-match presentation was delayed by more than an hour due to Pakistan’s late arrival, but Tilak was eventually named Player of the Match for his brilliant innings. Reflecting on his performance, he said, “It was pressure. They were bowling well. They were mixing the pace up. I was breathing and trying to stay calm. Fantastic knock from Samson. The way Dube batted under pressure was helpful and important for the country. We have prepared for every position. You should be flexible. I was prepared to bat at any position. I was backing my game. When the wickets are on the slower side, I have talked to Gauti sir and have worked hard. One of the most special knocks of my life. This is for all the Indians.”

The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final will surely be unforgettable for the Indian fans, while it is definitely one of the remarkable moments for the Indian cricketer Tilak Varma, who was the hero of the match. But the most surprising fact is that his accurate manifestation, as his incredible story in the Asia Cup 2025 Final will be remembered in the entire history of Indian cricket. 

After Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first in the Asia Cup 2025 Final at Dubai on Sunday (September 28), he sent Pakistan to bat first. Although the Pakistan openers provided a strong start, Indian spinners once again dominated in the second half, as Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for only 33 runs, as they were bowled out for 146 runs.

Asia Cup 2025 Final, India vs Pakistan: Player of the Match Tilak Varma scored match-winning 69 not out

Chasing down the 147-run target in the Asia Cup 2025 Final, India were deeply struggling at 20/3, as their top three batters were dismissed cheaply, including the most dangerous in-form batter in the tournament, the opener Abhishek Sharma. However, the no.4 batter Tilak Varma calmly handled the situation, while Sanju Samson (24) and Shivam Dube (33) provided solid support to him, before Rinku Singh (4*) ended the game with a four. 

Asia Cup 2025 Final, IND vs PAK: Rinku Singh plays one ball in tournament and it is trophy for India

Tilak Varma won the Player of the Match award in the Asia Cup 2025 Final after scoring a match-winning 69 not out off 53 balls with three fours and four sixes. Later, the tournament broadcaster revealed that the Indian cricketers wrote their best performance wishes for the Asia Cup 2025 before the beginning of the tournament. 

Scoring runs in the final and winning the team: Tilak Varma

We also saw Tilak Varma's writing, as it was written, "Scoring runs in the final and winning the team." It perfectly matched as he produced the match-winning performance, and left the ground only after the end of the match, as it was only the celebration time for the Indian cricketers, who completely dominated in the tournament. 

Indian players Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma playfully trolled Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed after India won the 2025 Asia Cup final by five wickets. Standing near the boundary ropes, the three mimicked Ahmed’s usual celebration, crossing their hands and shaking their heads as if saying ‘Get out’. Arshdeep shared the video on Instagram. Sanju Samson, who scored 20 runs in the final, was also in the frame but looked uninterested in the fun. 

India claimed their ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan, thanks to Tilak Varma’s match-winning 69* off 53 balls. Chasing 147, India struggled early, falling to 20/3 after Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf dismissed Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill cheaply with clever slower balls.

Tilak Varma stabilized the innings with two important stands: a partnership of 57 runs with Sanju Samson and a 60-run partnership with Shivam Dube (33 off 21 balls). Varma’s measured but aggressive innings kept India well placed. The game turned in the 15th over when Haris Rauf conceded 17 runs to Tilak. Tilak created increasing pressure on Pakistan, plugging the field with his driving and pulling.

India won by 5 wickets in Asia Cup 2025 Final

Rauf gave away 50 runs in 3.4 overs, including the six Tilak hit into the mid-wicket stands in the final over. Rinku Singh then hit the winning boundary to seal India’s tense chase. Earlier, Pakistan started strongly with Fakhar Zaman (46) and Sahibzada Farhan (57), putting together 113/1.

Watch the video here

INDIAN PLAYERS DOING ABRAR CELEBRATION...!!! 😂🔥pic.twitter.com/3trZCTzGmr

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 28, 2025

See Also: [Watch] Tilak Varma smashes Haris Rauf for stunning six under pressure in final over of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025

Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav (4/30) set off a collapse as he took nine wickets for only 33 runs for Pakistan. Axar Patel (2/26) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/30) were good support acts while Jasprit Bumrah took 2 late wickets including Haris Rauf in a cheeky half plane-crash toss of a gesture of dismissal. The match was a great team win for India with players displaying resilience and Tilak Varma’s outstanding contribution under pressure.

Team India lead coach Gautam Gambhir was unable to contain himself. In the dying moments of the Asia Cup 2025 final, between India and Pakistan, he erupts with his table-pounding reaction to Tilak Varma striking and sending Haris Rauf for a massive six when India needed exactly eight runs to win from just five balls. The shot nearly confirmed India’s winning, and Gambhir’s table-thumping reaction has become almost as memorable as the 6 itself.

It was the 19.2 over, and India needed just 8 runs from five balls. Rauf bowled a short ball, but Tilak was already primed. He rocked back, swung hard, and sent the ball flying over the ropes for an 80-meter six. The Dubai International Stadium erupted, and cameras showed Gambhir hitting the commentary desk with both hands, his excitement spilling over.

India’s chase of 147 was not easy. The team suffered an early loss of Abhishek Sharma himself and dropped to 20/3 in the powerplay whilst being pressured by the fast bowling of Pakistan, yet Tilak Varma held his nerve and played magnificently. He made 69 not out, anchored the innings, and attacked when required. Shivam Dube played well in support for 33 runs and India chased down the target with confidence.

Pakistan’s Strong Start Fades

Pakistan had started very well. At 113/1, they looked on track for a big total, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring 57 and Fakhar Zaman making 46. But once Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav came into the attack, wickets started falling. Kuldeep took 4 wickets for 30 runs, including a pivotal triple in the 17th over to halt Pakistan's rhythm, and Pakistan were all out for 146.

Watch the video here

Very rare to see Gautam Gambhir like this pic.twitter.com/M7kVfpj61o

— Vipul (@vipuldhomane) September 28, 2025

See Also: 'Operation Sindoor on the Games Field' - PM Modi hails after India’s IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 win

India won the match by five wickets to win a record ninth Asia Cup title. Away from the numbers, fans will remember Gambhir's sheer happiness and Tilak Varma's winning six. It was a moment that exemplified the electrifying theater of India-Pakistan cricket, both on and off the field, and one that cricket fans everywhere will recall for a long time.

In the Asia Cup final, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan started well. The opening pair scored 84 runs. Sahibzada Farhan made 57 runs. Fakhar Zaman made 46 runs. At that time, the Pakistani batters put Bumrah under pressure.

But when the Indian spinners came, Pakistan lost the game. After the first three batters, no one else scored more than 10 runs. Pakistan was all out for 146 runs. Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets.

In reply, India batted and lost 3 wickets for 20 runs. Then Tilak Verma built an important 57-run partnership with Sanju Samson. After that, he made another partnership with Shivam Dube and took India to victory. Even though Dube got out, Tilak stayed strong. He finished unbeaten on 69 runs and won the match for India.

Also Read -Know what Indian players said after winning their ninth title of Asia Cup in 2025

Tilak Varma seals India’s win

With India needing 10 runs off the final over, Tilak Varma ran a couple of runs after a mistake, then hit a six to reduce the pressure. He pulled a back-of-length delivery that cleared the ropes easily. Head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated as the ball went over the boundary. Earlier, Tilak had taken on Haris Rauf in the 15th over, scoring 17 runs, including a couple of boundaries, which eased the pressure on India before the final overs.

TILAK's SIX vs RAUF WILL BE IN THE HEART OF ALL INDIAN CRICKET FANS. 😍👑 pic.twitter.com/zfaEwKZyEH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 28, 2025

A knock to remember

Tilak Varma finished unbeaten on 69 runs off 53 balls in the Asia Cup 2025 final. He was doubtful for the final after hurting himself while trying to take a catch in the last Super 4 game against Sri Lanka. But he was fit and played an amazing innings. His knock included three fours and four sixes, with a strike rate of 130.19. This was his fourth T20I fifty, with the last one also coming in a tense run chase against England in Chennai.

India and Pakistan played against each other in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan raced to a remarkable start, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting India on the back foot. Farhan raced away to 57 from 38 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Fakhar contributed 46 from 35 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Their partnership of 84 had Pakistan cruising at 113/1 in 12.4 overs and looking like they were set for an imposing total.

However, everything changed when Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Farhan. From that point, Pakistan’s innings collapsed. Kuldeep Yadav bowled brilliantly, finishing with 4/30. Axar Patel (2/26) and Chakravarthy (2/30) also kept things tight. Pakistan’s middle order struggled badly, with only Saim Ayub managing 14 runs. None of the other batters could reach double figures, and Pakistan lost nine wickets for just 33 runs. They were bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs. Jasprit Bumrah also helped with two wickets for 25 runs.

Chasing 147, India had early trouble. They lost Abhishek Sharma (5), Suryakumar Yadav (1), and Shubman Gill (12) inside the first four overs, falling to 20/3. The pressure was on, but Tilak Varma played a match-winning knock. He stayed unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Sanju Samson scored 24 from 21 balls, while Shivam Dube hit 33 off 22 with two fours and two sixes. Their partnerships gave India control again. In the final over, Tilak smashed a six off Haris Rauf before Rinku Singh (9* off 5) hit the winning boundary to secure a five-wicket win. India lifted their ninth Asia Cup title in style. Below are the main reasons for Pakistan defeat:

1. Dramatic Batting Collapse

After a great start with Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) putting on 84 runs together, they lost their way when Farhan got out. Once that happened, the rest of the batting and nine wickets fell for only 33 runs, ultimately, after being at 113/1, Pakistan were bowled out for 146 not having any partnerships of substance.

2. Lethal Indian Spin Attack

India's spin bowlers excelled in the middle overs. In particular, Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets for 30 runs, Axar Patel took 2 for 26, and Varun Chakravarthy took 2 for 30. They bowled in tight areas and achieved some big wickets, including Kuldeep taking three wickets in an over which really stifled Pakistan's scoring.

See Also: WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah imitates Haris Rauf’s ‘Fighter Jet’ celebration in Asia Cup 2025 final IND vs PAK

3. Inability to Counter Pressure

The middle order of Pakistan was under pressure in a big final. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub were unable to capitalize on their starts. The number of wickets lost left Pakistan with a below-par total that was easy for India to chase.