While the raw cricketing prowess on display was commendable, India’s recent triumph in the 17th Asia Cup holds a deeper significance. Beyond the boundaries and wickets, the team navigated a tournament fraught with behind-the-scenes bickering and geopolitical tensions. This context makes Suryakumar Yadav’s squad’s performance in the Arabian desert over the past three weeks a truly satisfying achievement.
Irrespective of external circumstances, India consistently proved to be the standout team. This commanding performance has clearly demonstrated their readiness to launch a formidable defense of the T20 World Cup, which is set to commence on home ground and in Sri Lanka next February.
What truly defined India’s campaign was their uncanny ability to escape challenging situations, a trait vividly displayed in the final. Unlike their dominant displays against Pakistan in earlier Group-A and Super Four matches, Salman Agha’s team seized control twice in the championship showdown. Pakistan initially looked strong with the bat, reaching 113 for one, and later put India under immense pressure by reducing them to 20 for three while chasing 147. Yet, India’s exceptional skill and unwavering resilience allowed them to masterfully turn the tide in both instances.
The remarkable comeback began with India’s spin trio – Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel – orchestrating Pakistan’s dramatic collapse, claiming nine wickets for just 33 runs. Then, the spotlight shifted to young Tilak Varma, who was tasked with a crucial batting rescue mission. The left-handed Hyderabadi batter rose to the occasion, delivering a composed and unbeaten 69 off 53 balls under immense pressure.
This wasn’t the 22-year-old’s first demonstration of composure under pressure. Earlier this year, during a bilateral series against England, Tilak displayed similar nerves of steel. Facing a daunting target of 166 at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, with India struggling at 78 for five against the then T20 World Cup champions, he remained steadfast, guiding his team to a thrilling two-wicket victory.
Commenting on Varma’s heroics, captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his performance after the final, stating, “Tilak played an unbelievable knock. We’ve seen him do that before.”
Yet, as the Indian skipper rightly emphasized, this successful campaign was built on valuable contributions from numerous players across the squad.
Shivam Dube, for instance, perfectly embodied the all-rounder role. In the final, he delivered an economical spell, conceding only 12 runs in his two PowerPlay overs. His calm demeanor extended to his batting, where his crucial 33 runs off just 22 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, formed an invaluable 60-run partnership with Tilak Varma.
Equally vital to the campaign were the stellar contributions of Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav. Sharma led the scoring charts with an impressive 314 runs as an opening batter, while the left-arm wrist-spinner, Kuldeep, topped the wicket-taking list with 17 scalps, showcasing his consistent impact.
Before the final, bowling coach Morne Morkel frankly noted that India hadn’t yet played a “perfect game.” Although that elusive perfect performance didn’t materialize even in the final match, the team undeniably secured the perfect and most desired outcome: a resounding victory.