Lessons from the testing times in Test cricket

For more than a decade, home Test cricket felt like India’s safest space. Touring teams dreaded the conditions, feared the spin, and rarely returned with anything more than consolation wins. But three specific series broke that aura. England in 2012, New Zealand in 2024, and South Africa in 2025 walked in, challenged India in familiar conditions, and walked out victorious. These were not random losses. They were warnings.

Let's take a detailed look at what made these defeats painful and what they reveal about the shifting foundations of India’s Test cricket.

Timeline & Key Stats: Major Home Test Series Defeats Since 2000

From 2012 up to the 2024 series, India went 12 years (4,331 days) without losing a home Test-series.

During that period, the team racked up 18 consecutive home-series wins - one of the longest home-dominance streaks in Test history. 

Across 89 home series in their history, India have lost only 18 series.

Recent Slide: Match-by-Match and Series-by-Series Warnings

• In just the last ~7 home Tests (2024–2025), India lost 5 matches. That’s stark - a frequency of home defeats not seen since 1959. 

• The 2025 home series against South Africa wasn’t just a loss — the 2nd Test ended by 408 runs, marking India’s biggest margin of defeat (by runs) in Test history. 

• That 0–2 sweep makes the 2025 series only the third time India have been whitewashed at home: the previous two being 2000 (SA) and 2024 (NZ). 

• Under current management (since 2024/25), India’s home record has been worrying: multiple series losses, frequent collapses, questionable spin-handling. 

What the numbers suggest

The fortress has turned porous. That 12-year run of home-series invincibility (2012–2024) disguised what was actually a fragile equilibrium. When challenged — by strong visitors, good seam/spin combos - India began to show cracks. The twin whitewashes (2024 & 2025) illustrate that this isn’t just bad luck - it’s structural.

The three heartbreaks that hurt the most

England in 2012

England ended India’s long home dominance with a 2–1 win. It was the first home series defeat since 2000 and it exposed India’s struggles against quality spin and disciplined batting in their own backyard.

New Zealand in 2024

This was not just a defeat. It was a 0–3 whitewash at home. New Zealand outplayed India tactically, mentally and technically. Their spinners dominated on surfaces meant to challenge visitors, and their batting showed patience that India failed to match.

South Africa in 2025

South Africa completed a 2–0 sweep and handed India their worst home defeat by runs, a loss by 408 runs. The loss felt even more alarming because it came immediately after the New Zealand whitewash. India had gone years without losing at home and suddenly they had lost two consecutive home Test series.

How rare is losing at home for India

India’s previous home series defeat before these setbacks came in 2012. Before 2012, it was 2000 against South Africa. That means from 2000 to 2024, India had lost only once at home in 24 years. For a team so dominant at home, these three defeats stand out as significant breaks in the pattern.

In that long period, India had an 18 series winning streak at home. That is why these more recent defeats feel heavier. They do not fit the story of who India have been at home for two decades.

The deeper concern is our diminishing ability to play spin

Once upon a time, India could claim that no team in the world understood or played spin better. In these three painful series, the opposite was true. Visiting sides not only matched India’s spinners but sometimes outperformed them. More troubling is that opposing batsmen handled Indian spin better than India’s batsmen handled theirs.

The technique, footwork and temperament needed to survive on turning tracks seem to have weakened. The confidence to sweep, defend, smother turn or play late is missing. India’s players look unsure in conditions they once commanded.

The back-to-back whitewashes show a dangerous pattern

Except for the small West Indies series in between, India have lost two home Test series almost consecutively. Both were heavy defeats and both were whitewashes. For a team that was nearly unbeatable at home, that trend is too drastic to ignore.

This is not just a blip. Patterns like this emerge when foundational issues begin to surface.

Rank turners are becoming counterproductive

India have tried to create turning tracks to play to their strengths. But rank turners help both sides equally. A pitch that behaves like a “spitting cobra” rewards whichever bowler can land the ball repeatedly on a nagging length. Visiting spinners like Ajaz Patel, Santner, Maharaj and Harmer did exactly that.

Instead of amplifying India’s strengths, extreme pitches have neutralised them. If India cannot bat long on spinning tracks and cannot outbowl opponents on those same pitches, then the advantage disappears.

Too much T20 cricket and too little grind

Modern Indian batting is heavily influenced by T20 and one-day cricket. Strike rotation, aggression and faster scoring are useful skills, but Test cricket demands something entirely different. It demands graft, discipline, resilience and the ability to bat long passages of play without any reward in the highlight reel.

India once had a lineage of batsmen who excelled in these qualities. Dravid, Laxman, Pujara and Rahane were specialists in attritional cricket. Without such profiles, India struggle to absorb pressure and build partnerships on tough days.

The bowling also reflects impatience and inconsistency

The bowlers face a similar issue. India’s attack has too often been either overly defensive to control runs or overly attacking in search of quick wickets. Test cricket requires a long game. Pressure builds slowly through consistent lines, lengths and repeatable plans. Once that pressure is established, wickets follow.

Both spinners and pacers need to rediscover the art of setting up a batter over multiple overs. The relentlessness that defined India’s great bowling units appears to be wavering.

What India must learn from these defeats

1. Respect home conditions by creating fair but challenging pitches rather than extreme surfaces that become lotteries.

2. Rebuild a strong Test batting core that values patience, technique and long innings.

3. Encourage bowlers to focus on discipline instead of short bursts of aggression or long spells of containment.

4. Prioritize red-ball cricket development across domestic structure and selection strategy.

5. Reinvest in the mental side of Test cricket where grinding out sessions is central to success.

Final word

The three series defeats against England in 2012, New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025 mark significant moments in India’s Test cricket story. They are painful not only because India rarely lose at home but because these losses reflect a weakening of skills that once defined Indian cricket.

If India want to restore their fortress, they will need to rebuild from the fundamentals. Technique, temperament, discipline and intelligent cricket must again become part of the team’s DNA. Test cricket rewards teams that respect its rhythms. For India, the time has come to rediscover those rhythms before the cracks widen further. 
Jai Ho!

Jai Ho: The triumph that redefined Indian Women’s Cricket and beyond

When the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the ODI World Cup trophy, it was not just the culmination of a campaign or the end of a tournament. It was the culmination of decades of hope, struggle, invisibility, and grit. It was a victory that rippled far beyond the boundary ropes, a statement that transcended the sport itself.

This was not merely about winning a trophy. It was about rewriting the narrative of what Indian women can achieve when given a fair chance. It was about proving that equality, confidence, and opportunity can create champions from anywhere.

This was, in every sense, a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket, Indian women’s sport, and Indian womanhood itself.

The Rise Beyond the Odds

The story of this victory cannot be told without understanding where it began. For years, women’s cricket in India existed on the periphery. While men’s matches filled stadiums and dominated headlines, the women’s team often played to empty stands and muted applause. Sponsorship was scarce, media coverage even scarcer, and financial stability almost nonexistent.

But times changed, slowly and painfully. The introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) helped spark new energy, giving young girls role models to look up to and a platform to dream bigger. Schools began forming women’s cricket teams. Parents started seeing cricket as a viable career for their daughters. The ecosystem was still imperfect, but it was evolving.

And then came this World Cup — a campaign that unified an entire nation, where every player brought their story, their struggle, and their fire to the field.

The Human Story Behind the Glory

Every champion team carries within it dozens of untold stories. This Indian team was no exception.

Take Amanjot Kaur, whose father was a carpenter. When she was denied a chance to play because she didn’t have a bat, her father stayed up all night to carve one for her out of wood. That homemade bat became a symbol of her determination. Years later, she would hold a different piece of wood in her hands — the World Cup trophy — as tears rolled down her face.

Then there was Shafali Verma, who had been dropped from the squad months before the tournament. Her journey seemed uncertain until fate intervened. When Pratika Rawal was ruled out before the semifinals due to injury, Shafali was recalled. She did not waste a moment. She grabbed the opportunity with both hands, played with freedom, and reminded everyone of her fearless brand of cricket.

Or consider coach Amol Muzumdar. Once one of India’s most prolific domestic batsmen, he never got the international call-up because he was unlucky enough to share an era with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Yet, destiny had a different plan for him. It took time, but life eventually found a way to honor his contribution to Indian cricket. He became a World Cup-winning coach, guiding a team that embodied the same discipline and hunger he had always stood for.

This was not just redemption for the players. It was also life paying its dues to those who kept faith in the dream.

The Team That Refused to Blink

Every Indian player played their role to perfection. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal provided the solid starts that built momentum. Harmanpreet Kaur led with the same intensity that has defined her career, backing her players even in moments of doubt and chipping in with key knocks when it mattered most.

Jemima Rodrigues produced one of the most defining innings of the tournament against Australia. Her calm, composed century was an exhibition of maturity. What made it even more special was her non-celebration. She did not raise her arms or roar in triumph. She just turned around and walked back to her crease, eyes focused on the finish line. It was the perfect picture of intent without distraction.

Deepti Sharma was the Yuvraj Singh of this team — an all-rounder who could turn matches single-handedly with either bat or ball. Her control, composure, and ability to deliver in pressure moments became a template for every aspiring cricketer.

Sree Charani emerged as the quiet assassin. Her left-arm spin was relentless, tight, and suffocating, choking opposition batters with her accuracy and control. She was India’s Jadeja, a symbol of consistency.

And then there was the pace battery — Kranti Goud and Renuka Thakur — two bowlers who redefined what Indian women’s fast bowling could look like. They bowled their hearts out, hit the right lengths, and never allowed the opposition to breathe easy. Their chemistry, control, and courage gave India the edge in every crunch phase.

Richa Ghosh, behind the stumps and in front of them, embodied modern cricket. Her glovework was neat, her presence electric, and her power hitting breathtaking. There were moments when her sixes evoked memories of Hardik Pandya’s fearless striking.

Together, this group did not just win matches. They redefined belief.

A Moment for Every Indian Woman

The image of the Indian women lifting the World Cup was more than a sporting moment. It was a cultural moment. Across cities, towns, and villages, young girls watching television saw something that had once felt impossible.

For years, Indian women have been told to compromise, to adjust, to lower their ambitions. This victory challenged all those narratives. It told every girl in every corner of India that the sky is open, that no achievement is beyond reach, that dreams are worth fighting for.

This is why this victory is not just about cricket. It is about self-belief. It is about representation. It is about a collective awakening.

When women succeed in fields that have been historically male-dominated, they do more than just break barriers. They reset norms. And that is what this team has done.

The image of Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, and Anjum Chopra — the trailblazers — joining the players on stage to lift the trophy together was perhaps the most symbolic moment of all. It was a generational handover, a tribute to those who paved the road when no one was watching. It was the past, present, and future of Indian women’s cricket converging in one beautiful, tearful embrace.

The Equality Conversation: Not Charity, but Right

As the celebrations settle and the headlines fade, another conversation must continue. The conversation about equality.

Pay parity or better facilities for women cricketers should not be seen as charity or goodwill. These are not favors to be granted but rights to be recognized. These women have trained, sweated, bled, and performed just like their male counterparts. They have brought glory to the country, inspired millions, and proven that their stage is no less significant.

If equality is truly the goal, then recognition must follow merit, not gender. The idea is not to divide resources but to balance respect.

When we talk about pay parity or support, we must also talk about parity in opportunity. Equal access to coaching, infrastructure, exposure, and fitness programs must become the norm. Because equality begins long before salaries are signed — it begins when girls are given the same chance to dream.

Why Cricket Commands the Spotlight

There is an argument often made that cricket gets too much attention in India at the expense of other sports. It is true that our obsession with cricket can sometimes overshadow other disciplines. But this also stems from a simple truth — cricket has consistently produced world beaters.

Even when you look at individual sports, the reason we know names like Leander Paes, Viswanathan Anand, Neeraj Chopra, Abhinav Bindra, and Mary Kom is because they achieved the extraordinary. They made us believe they could beat anyone, anywhere, on their day.

And that belief, that confidence, is what draws crowds, attention, and investment.

The same logic applies within cricket itself. To be among the top 50 or 100 professional cricketers in India, one has to outshine lakhs of talented players. Out of crores who dream, only a handful survive the grind. The competition is ruthless, the pressure unrelenting, and the margin for error almost zero.

That is what makes success in Indian cricket, whether men’s or women’s, so special. It is not just about talent. It is about surviving an unforgiving system and still finding the strength to shine.

Why This Win Matters More Than We Realize

Every World Cup win leaves a legacy. But this one feels different. This one feels deeper.

It arrives at a time when India is seeing a cultural shift — where conversations about gender, opportunity, and equality are louder and more urgent than ever. This victory is the most powerful illustration of what happens when women are trusted, backed, and celebrated.

The Indian women’s team did not just play for a trophy. They played for validation. They played for every young girl who has been told “cricket is not for you.” They played for every parent who once feared their daughter’s dream would never be practical.

This triumph has the potential to reshape not just women’s cricket but the entire sporting ecosystem. Sponsors will now look at the women’s game with renewed seriousness. Young girls will now pick up bats, pads, and gloves not as a fantasy, but as a career. Schools and academies will invest more in nurturing female talent.

And the ripple effect will extend beyond sports. It will redefine how Indian society perceives ambition, discipline, and equality.

The Legacy of Coach Amol Muzumdar

Among the many stories this victory gave us, one that stands out is that of coach Amol Muzumdar. For years, he was the symbol of unfulfilled potential. A domestic cricket giant, he was destined for greatness but never got his international cap. Yet, life had a plan.

As head coach of this world-beating women’s team, Muzumdar has finally etched his name into cricketing immortality. He built a team culture rooted in trust, accountability, and freedom. He gave players space to express themselves, to play fearlessly, and to own their roles.

In many ways, Muzumdar’s redemption mirrors the story of this team — perseverance rewarded by destiny.

A New Chapter Begins

What happens next will define how deep this impact runs. The women’s team must be supported, celebrated, and sustained. Infrastructure must improve, domestic competitions must expand, and pathways for young talent must be strengthened.

We must ensure that this is not a one-off triumph, but the beginning of an era. The idea is not just to celebrate this World Cup win, but to make winning a habit.

The message must be clear to every girl holding a bat or a ball — the world is yours to conquer.

This victory must echo in every school ground, every training camp, every home that once hesitated to let a girl dream big. It must tell them that dreams are valid, talent is genderless, and glory belongs to those who believe and persevere.

The Indian women’s team has shown us what is possible. Now it is up to all of us — the fans, the administrators, the sponsors, and the society — to ensure that the next generation builds upon it.

Because this is not just a victory for Indian cricket. It is a victory for Indian womanhood, for equality, and for hope.

And as the tricolor fluttered high above the stadium that night, one could not help but feel that something profound had changed. The barriers had fallen, the limits had been redefined, and a new era had begun.

Jai Ho!

RoKo: A timeless bond between two champions

The third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw India’s cricketing titans, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, turn back the clock and how. The two veterans, affectionately known as “RoKo,” combined to script a stunning nine-wicket win in the third ODI against Australia. Chasing 237, they forged an unbeaten 168-run stand that didn’t just seal the game, it rekindled the magic that has defined Indian batting for nearly two decades.

But this wasn’t just another victory. Their innings was more than just a statement. It was a reminder of how two of India’s most iconic cricketers have continued to define an era, adapt to change, and carry the team forward. Their partnership in Sydney was not about nostalgia; it was about relevance, resilience, and renewal.

RoKo's rise

When Rohit Sharma made his ODI debut in 2007, he was hailed for his timing and effortless stroke-play. It took a few years before he found his true calling as an opener. Once he did, there was no looking back. From his first double hundred to becoming one of the most consistent top-order batters in the world, Rohit built his reputation on patience, placement, and the ability to accelerate at will.

Virat Kohli, who debuted a year later, was a different beast altogether. His early years were driven by an insatiable hunger and an almost obsessive quest for perfection. Known for his intensity and consistency in run-chases, Kohli redefined India’s approach to 50-over cricket.

Together, they became a phenomenon. The “RoKo” partnership brought balance to India’s batting — Rohit’s elegance at the top blending perfectly with Kohli’s intensity at No. 3. They complemented each other, often building innings brick by brick before tearing attacks apart. Over time, their partnership became synonymous with India’s dominance in ODIs.

Consolidation and global dominance

By the mid-2010s, the pair had firmly established themselves among the world’s best. Kohli’s chase-master credentials grew legendary, while Rohit’s knack for big hundreds made him indispensable. Between 2017 and 2023, they not only anchored India’s ODI success but also became its moral compass — seasoned leaders guiding a team filled with young talent.

Kohli crossed milestone after milestone, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, while Rohit kept adding to his century tally, including record double hundreds. Their partnership stats spoke for themselves: 12 stands of 150-plus runs, equalling the record held by Tendulkar and Ganguly.

Beyond the numbers, though, was something deeper. They became mentors to an entire generation of cricketers. Whether it was Shubman Gill learning from Rohit’s poise or Shreyas Iyer absorbing Kohli’s discipline, the influence of the duo extended beyond runs and victories.

Both faced lean patches, questions about form and fitness, and the demands of modern cricket. Yet, they kept reinventing themselves, adapting to new roles and conditions without losing their competitive edge.

A masterclass at Sydney

The third ODI at Sydney came at a time when India needed reassurance. Having lost the first two games of the series, the team required its senior pros to step up. Australia had posted 236, and the chase, while not daunting, demanded composure.

Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression, scoring 121 not out off 125 balls. His innings was a blend of patience and precision — 13 fours, 3 sixes, and complete authority over the conditions. At 38 years and 178 days, he became the second-oldest Indian to score an ODI century, proving that age has little bearing when class takes over.

At the other end, Virat Kohli played the perfect supporting act. After consecutive ducks earlier in the series, the pressure was immense. But Kohli responded in the only way he knows — with grit. His unbeaten 74 off 81 balls showcased calmness and control, the hallmarks of a player who has built a career on rising when it matters most.

Their 168-run stand not only sealed the win but also equaled the all-time record for the most 150-plus partnerships in ODIs. The chemistry between them was effortless — glances, gestures, and an unspoken understanding of the moment. The crowd at the SCG rose to applaud what felt like a throwback to India’s most dominant years.

More than the runs, it was the symbolism of the moment that stood out. It was the captain of India’s past and the captain of its present standing together, reminding everyone that the core of Indian cricket’s success story remains as solid as ever.

Why their impact matters

The RoKo partnership has never been just about statistics. It’s about the stability and assurance they bring. For nearly two decades, India’s ODI plans have revolved around the platform they build. When one gets going, the other follows. When one steadies the ship, the other accelerates.

Their mentorship has shaped India’s modern batting lineup. Youngsters like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and even Shreyas Iyer have had the luxury of learning from two of the best in history. In an age of T20-driven impatience, Rohit and Kohli have kept the traditional ODI art alive - knowing when to hold back, when to push, and how to bat deep.

Their temperament in pressure situations has also been India’s biggest asset. Whether in World Cups, Asia Cups, or bilateral deciders, the pair has consistently delivered under lights and expectations. The Sydney chase once again highlighted their ability to stay calm, adapt to conditions, and execute with clinical precision.

And beyond the field, their aura continues to lift Indian cricket. A RoKo partnership is a brand in itself - a guarantee of skill, intensity, and pride. For fans, broadcasters, and sponsors, they are living symbols of India’s cricketing excellence.

The case for continuity till 2027

If Sydney proved anything, it’s that Rohit and Kohli are still irreplaceable in ODIs. Their experience, understanding of game situations, and leadership instincts make them central to India’s 50-over strategy for the next phase.

They remain the most bankable batters in high-pressure scenarios. Their partnership offers a blend of calmness and command that few modern pairs can replicate. More importantly, they bring leadership without needing a title. Young players draw confidence simply from their presence.

Retaining them as the core of the batting order till the 2027 World Cup ensures continuity, mentorship, and depth. They can guide the transition of the next generation while maintaining India’s pursuit of major ICC silverware. It’s not sentimentality; it’s sound cricketing sense.

Managing the next steps

Of course, careful management is key. With age comes the need for strategic rotation and workload planning. Allowing them to skip less critical bilateral games and focus on marquee series and tournaments will preserve their sharpness.

Their role, too, should evolve - from being just the primary run-scorers to being tactical mentors who help groom the next crop of stars. They can set the tone for India’s batting blueprint, balancing aggression with patience and ensuring the team doesn’t lose its ODI identity amid T20 and Test commitments.

Adaptability will be crucial. The modern ODI game demands quick starts and fearless stroke-play. Yet, as the Sydney knock showed, there’s still immense value in controlled chases and partnerships built on intelligence rather than brute force.

From Sydney, a message for the future

Sydney may well become a symbolic turning point. It reminded the world that India’s old guard remains a force to reckon with. For younger teammates, it was a masterclass in how experience can still dominate modern cricket.

Over the next two years, expect Rohit and Kohli to continue doing what they do best — scoring runs, building partnerships, and mentoring the future. Their professionalism, fitness, and hunger are intact. And if their Sydney show is any indicator, they aren’t done leading India’s ODI resurgence just yet.

Looking ahead

The third ODI at Sydney was more than a win; it was a reaffirmation. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, after nearly two decades of carrying Indian cricket’s batting hopes, once again reminded us why they are generational greats. Their partnership wasn’t about defiance of age, but a celebration of mastery.

They have been the pillars of India’s success, guiding the team through triumphs and transitions alike. Sydney simply underlined that they remain vital to India’s journey ahead.

In a time when the cricketing world is fixated on change and experimentation, RoKo proved that some partnerships are timeless. And as India builds toward 2027, there’s no better pair to trust with steering the ship forward.
Jai Ho!

Asia Cup 2025: How India's depth exposed Pakistan's fragility

Whenever India and Pakistan clash, it is not just a cricket match. It is theatre, emotion, history, and expectation rolled into one. The 2025 Asia Cup final, played at Dubai International Stadium on 28 September, carried more electric anticipation than most finals. It was the first time in the history of the Asia Cup that a final featured these two arch-rivals, making the occasion even more historic.

From the outset, many narratives were being written in advance.

• The pressure on both sides: For Pakistan, the longing to topple India in the tournament’s grandest match. For India, the duty to defend dominance, to withstand pressure, to avoid a choke in a high-stakes contest.

• The psychological narrative: India’s top order had been under scrutiny. Critics and rivals, especially Pakistan partisans and neutral detractors, were eager to see India’s top order crumble under pressure. Among them, Abhishek Sharma in particular had drawn attention, a rising star, but also someone whose consistency in crunch games would be tested.

• The match was also happening against a backdrop of political tensions between the two nations, which inevitably added layers of meaning to every run, wicket, and gesture on the field. Later in the post-match saga, India’s refusal to accept the trophy from Pakistan's ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi made headlines, underlining how charged the occasion was beyond the boundary ropes.

So, both teams walked into the final with burdens heavier than just 147 runs or 20 overs. Every fan, every analyst, every player knew there was extra weight on each action. And in such contests, the match often hinges not just on skill, but on temperament, character, and seizing moments.

Beyond Cricket: The Emotions, the Noise, and the Fear of “That One Bad Day”

So much was swirling around this India–Pakistan encounter even before the first ball was bowled. Pakistan’s players and fans had already made headlines, cribbing about the lack of post-match handshakes, indulging in on-field skirmishes, and letting abuses fly thick and fast during their earlier clash, despite being pelted all around the park. Such antics reflected more about their poor mentality than anything else, a set of cheap gestures that attempted to mask the gulf in quality.

With so much emotion, noise, and intensity surrounding the final, there was a very real fear for Indian fans: what if this was the day when everything went wrong? After all, painful memories were still fresh of having the only bad outing of a campaign at the worst possible time. Champions Trophy 2017, ODI World Cup 2023 — both had reminded us how finals can cruelly undo an otherwise dominant tournament.

And make no mistake, the players were every bit as aware of these fears as the fans were. They knew what was riding on this contest. They knew a single misstep could turn narratives upside down. To still hold their nerves, absorb the pressure, and carry the team through is what made this triumph so special. Tilak Verma’s composure, Sanju Samson’s clarity, and Shivam Dube’s fearless support stood out in particular. They did not just play cricket shots, they played them under the shadow of enormous pressure, and that makes their contributions all the more significant.

India’s Worst Start, Pakistan’s Best Start: Yet, the Outcome Remained the Same

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this final was how the game unfolded compared to expectations. For once, Pakistan had the perfect start. They dominated in both innings early on. India, by contrast, had their worst start with both bat and ball in the tournament. The critics’ wish seemed granted. Abhishek Sharma, who had been touted as a potential match-winner, fell cheaply. The top order looked fragile. Runs were hard to come by, and the scoreboard pressure loomed large.

When India took the field to bowl, things hardly improved. Pakistan’s openers came out firing, and for a while, it seemed like the dream script for every India-basher was playing out in front of their eyes. India’s bowlers looked flat, the fielding lacked sharpness, and momentum was firmly with Pakistan.

And yet, despite Pakistan playing their best cricket in both innings, despite India playing their worst cricket in the early exchanges, the result was the same as so many other contests in recent years: India stood tall as champions. That contrast speaks volumes about the gulf that exists between the two sides. For Pakistan to win, everything has to fall perfectly into place, and for India to lose, everything has to unravel. In Dubai, both those conditions aligned, yet still Pakistan could not cross the finish line. That is the real story of this final.

Tilak Verma: The Real Heir to Kohli’s Throne

Much has been written and spoken about Shubman Gill being the “next Virat Kohli.” Gill is undoubtedly special, all class, and capable of carrying the Indian batting forward for the next decade. But if there is someone who truly feels Kohli-esque, it is Tilak Verma.

In this final, Tilak showcased every quality that defines a great finisher in the top order. His innings was built on percentage cricket, not rash strokes. His match awareness was impeccable, his game sense top-notch. He knew exactly who to attack, how to attack, and where to attack. Just as importantly, he knew when to hold back, when to rotate the strike, when to play for time, and when to simply accumulate singles and doubles.

What makes Tilak stand out is not just his range of strokes, but the way he chooses them. He has the right mix of defense and aggression, and he adapts against pace, spin, swing, or bounce. On tricky surfaces, he digs deep. On flat pitches, he unfurls the big shots. On pressure occasions, he builds calmly. In short, he plays the situation rather than playing his ego. That is what has always set Kohli apart, and that is what Tilak seems to have inherited. With time and experience, he might even surpass his predecessors in terms of consistency and versatility.

The Unsung Heroes: Sanju, Shivam, and Rinku

While Tilak took the spotlight, this was not a one-man show. India’s chase in the final was secured through crucial contributions from Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and finally Rinku Singh.

Sanju, often criticized for flattering to deceive, showed clarity of thought. He understood his role, supported Tilak with maturity, and prevented panic from creeping in. His ability to pick gaps, run hard, and strike at the right time ensured that India never slipped too far behind the rate.

Shivam Dube’s role was equally important. Known more for his big-hitting prowess, Dube played a balanced hand, mixing aggression with calmness. He did not try to overhit, instead focusing on smart cricketing shots. By the time he was done, the equation had tilted decisively in India’s favour.

And then came Rinku Singh, who coolly lived out his already-manifested wish. In a Star Sports interview on 9 September, he had said he dreamed of hitting the winning runs in the final. Against Pakistan, in front of a packed Dubai stadium, that wish came true. His composure in that moment was a reminder of his temperament. He is built for these scenarios. He thrives in the final over, with the weight of the contest on his shoulders. For fans, it was a goosebumps moment, almost cinematic, to see him strike the decisive runs.

The Bowling Comeback: Character and Skill on Display

If the batting turnaround was impressive, the bowling comeback was nothing short of sensational. India’s attack had been swamped in the first half of Pakistan’s innings. The ball disappeared to all parts, the fielding looked unusually lax, and pressure mounted. Yet, as the overs ticked on, the bowlers regrouped.

Each member of the attack showed skill and character. They adjusted their lengths, varied their pace, and forced mistakes. The spinners pulled things back in the middle overs, while the pacers finished strongly at the death. What also stood out was the fielding. After an indifferent start, India tightened up, cutting off boundaries, building pressure, and taking sharp catches. It was the kind of turnaround that defines a champion side: the ability to absorb an opponent’s best punch and then hit back harder.

Leadership, Management, and the Team Culture

Behind every performance lies the environment created by leadership. Credit must go to the captain, the management, and the support staff. They have built a culture of freedom and clarity. Every player knows his role. Every player feels backed. Youngsters are trusted, seniors are respected, and the overall atmosphere is one of unity.

This clarity was evident in the way Tilak played his innings. It was evident in the calmness of Sanju and Shivam. It was evident in the refusal of the bowlers to give up when under the pump. When a team plays with this kind of belief, results often follow.

The Larger Picture: A Gap Too Wide to Ignore

In the end, this final reinforced what has been clear for years. Pakistan might have individual brilliance, they might have a few bursts of dominance, but as a unit they remain a level below India. For India to lose, everything has to go catastrophically wrong. For Pakistan to win, everything has to go perfectly right. In Dubai, we saw both conditions happen simultaneously, yet the outcome was unchanged. That is the real gulf.

For India, the Asia Cup 2025 victory was not just another trophy. It was a reaffirmation of depth, composure, and class. For Pakistan, it was another harsh reminder of how much work lies ahead.

Champions Once More, With Nerves of Steel

The 2025 Asia Cup final was everything fans expected in terms of intensity, noise, and drama. But in the end, it told a familiar story. India, even on their worst day, had enough depth and composure to overcome Pakistan on their best day. That is not arrogance, it is reality, a reality forged by years of investment in talent, culture, and clarity.

The names will be remembered. Tilak Verma, for his Kohli-esque innings. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, for their crucial support. Rinku Singh, for fulfilling his dream of striking the winning runs. The bowlers, for their remarkable fightback. The management, for building the environment that made it all possible.

For Pakistan, it will go down as yet another missed opportunity. For India, it will be remembered as yet another glorious triumph, a night when nerves of steel turned into gold.
And long may such (even bigger) victories and tournament triumphs continue in future too. Jai Ho!