In a move that caught fans off guard, India captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to part-time spinner Tilak Varma to bowl in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. With Pakistan cruising past 100 inside 12 overs, Varma was surprisingly introduced into the attack, leaving many baffled by the decision in such a high-pressure game.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions. One fan wrote, “Unexpected move by captain Surya. Tilak Varma bowling in the final?” while another mocked, “We made India bowl Tilak Varma, another moral victory.” Some even compared the youngster to a legend, saying, “Tilak Varma mai Shane Warne dikh raha kya Surya ko?”
Tilak Varma chalo over nikal to Diya shi!!🤗#INDvsPAK #INDvPAK #AsiaCup2025 🇮🇳
— 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐦 (@the_carpdiem1) September 28, 2025
Tilak Varma bowling it’s clear sign of no proper planning and just overconfidence before match 🫡🫡🫡😜😜😜
#INDvsPAK— xGrok (@x_grok88) September 28, 2025
Nah this is a joke, 1 wicket down in 12 overs is exactly what you expect when you pick 5 bowlers and 5th being Dube and bowl Tilak Varma in a final..
— Prashanth (@ps_it_is) September 28, 2025
Tilak Varma bowling? 🥲😭
— 🌻 TS12 (@Peroneal_) September 28, 2025
Critics argued that with Hardik Pandya already ruled out, India should have relied on their frontline bowlers rather than experimenting. Others questioned the timing, with Pakistan’s batters well-set and attacking confidently.
For now, the gamble is being viewed as a risky call that could either backfire badly or turn into a masterstroke — depending on how Varma performs under the spotlight.
