Tilak Varma, the 22-year-old sensation, showcased remarkable composure under pressure, guiding India to a nail-biting win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. His unbeaten 69 off 53 balls, including a crucial six off Haris Rauf, was instrumental in turning the tide. Teaming up with Shivam Dube, Varma formed a formidable partnership, adding 60 runs off just 40 balls to secure the victory. His outstanding innings earned him the coveted ‘Player of the Match’ title, a recognition widely celebrated by fans and pundits alike.
Following Varma’s match-winning performance, social media platforms were abuzz with memes and tributes, highlighting his impactful innings. One particularly viral meme referenced a previous cultural moment, with fans playfully remarking, “Pehle humne Sindoor lagaya tha aur ab Tilak lagaya hai” (First we applied Sindoor, now we’ve applied Tilak), drawing parallels between the two significant achievements.
In recognition of the team’s unbeaten run in the Asia Cup, the BCCI announced a cash award of ₹21 crore for the victorious Indian cricket team and its support staff. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the significant prize money, celebrating the extraordinary triumph.
The BCCI’s announcement came after India’s convincing five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final held in Dubai. Despite the celebratory mood, the exact breakdown of the prize money distribution was not immediately disclosed.