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!

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025: A look beyond the scoreboard

The recently concluded Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy between India and England in the summer of 2025 was more than just another chapter in the long rivalry between two of cricket’s greatest Test-playing nations. It wasn’t about who won the toss, who scored how many runs on a given day, or which bowler bagged a five-wicket haul in a particular innings. Instead, this was a series that showcased resilience, revealed vulnerabilities, and highlighted the delicate balance between tradition and transition that both teams are grappling with in this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

For India, the 2–2 result was as much a testament to their adaptability as it was a signal of the rebuilding phase they find themselves in. And for England, the series was another reminder of how Bazball can sometimes blaze like wildfire and at other times leave them burnt.

But beyond the scorecards, what does this series really tell us? And what does it mean for the future of Indian Test cricket?

A New Era of Leadership: Shubman Gill’s Coming of Age

India entered this series with a sense of anticipation. For the first time in nearly a decade, their Test team was led not by a Kohli, a Rahane, or a Rohit, but by Shubman Gill, a 25-year-old whose batting elegance had already made him the poster boy of the next generation. Gill’s appointment as captain was not just about transition, it was about sending a message: the Indian Test side was no longer merely inheriting the past, it was beginning to shape its own identity.

And Gill delivered. With 754 runs across the series, including a majestic double century at Edgbaston, he batted with the poise of a veteran but the fearlessness of youth. His innings weren’t just numbers. They were psychological blows to England, particularly when he dug in against Anderson and Tongue under overcast skies.

More importantly, his leadership was calm, calculated, and inclusive. Gill didn’t react in extremes; he allowed bowlers the freedom to set their fields, backed young players even after failures, and exuded quiet confidence. In many ways, his captaincy signaled that India was prepared for a post-Kohli, post-Rohit future, built not on aggression alone but on composure and adaptability.

Siraj, Prasidh, and the Art of Bowling Under Pressure

If Gill was the face of batting resilience, Mohammed Siraj was the heartbeat of India’s bowling attack. With 23 wickets, Siraj not only finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series but also cemented his role as India’s go-to strike bowler overseas. His ability to swing the ball late, combined with the stamina to bowl long spells, often gave India breakthroughs just when England seemed to be running away with the game.

But the real fairy-tale story came at The Oval, in the final Test, when Prasidh Krishna turned what looked like a lost cause into a famous six-run win. His eight wickets in the match, including a decisive burst in the second innings, didn’t just tilt the game but also salvaged India’s WTC campaign. It was the kind of performance that careers are built on, the kind selectors point to when making tough calls for future tours.

The bowling unit’s story was not one of domination throughout the series but of impact in moments that mattered most. It was a reminder that in Test cricket, momentum often hinges not on entire sessions but on passages of play where one bowler, one spell, or even one delivery changes everything.

England’s Fighting Spirit – Woakes and the Culture of Grit

While India’s narrative was one of transition, England’s was of defiance. Nothing epitomized this more than Chris Woakes walking out to bat with a dislocated shoulder in the final Test. This was no less than the equally heroic display by Rishabh Pant in the previous Test, when he came out to bat with a broken foot.

As the crowd cheered for Woakes, commentators gasped, and social media lit up. He didn’t win England the match, but in that single act, Woakes became the face of what makes Test cricket timeless, with a heroic willingness to endure pain for the team and the game.

Bazball, for all its detractors, ensured England never died wondering. Some of their collapses were spectacular, but so were their counterattacks. What England showed India (and indeed the world) is that Test cricket’s charm lies in its unpredictability. One side may appear in control, but two quick wickets or one reckless hour can flip the script.

Turning Points That Defined the Series

Instead of narrating every match, let us reflect on the crucial junctures where the series swung:

• Gill’s 269 at Edgbaston: A captain’s knock that turned a precarious start into a statement innings, demoralizing England’s bowlers.

• Siraj’s spell at Headingley: Breaking the opening partnership on the second morning set the tone for India’s fightback.

• Lower-order resistance at The Oval: Karun Nair’s gritty unbeaten 52 and Washington Sundar’s stubborn defence stretched India’s total just enough for Prasidh to have a target to defend.

• Prasidh Krishna’s 4/24 in the fourth innings at The Oval: The single biggest turning point of the series, sealing a famous victory by six runs.

Each of these moments reminded us that while Bazball thrives on bursts of aggression, India’s brand of resilience and patience can be equally decisive.

The Sai vs Karun Question

Every Test series throws up selection debates, and this one was no different. For India, two names became the subject of heated discussions: Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair.

Karun Nair: The Veteran’s Second Life

Karun, recalled after nearly a decade in the wilderness, had moments of promise but largely failed to convert starts. His technique against the short ball was repeatedly exposed, and his inability to build on 20s and 30s hurt India at crucial junctures. The lone exception came at The Oval, where his unbeaten 52 gave India a chance. But in international cricket, especially in a packed middle-order race, one innings rarely outweighs six failures.

Sai Sudharsan: The Future Prospect

Sai Sudharsan’s debut wasn’t spectacular, but it was marked by maturity. Scores of 0 and 30 may not stand out, yet his composure, defensive solidity, and willingness to graft were evident. He didn’t look out of place against Anderson or Woakes. That matters. For a 23-year-old, selectors will weigh potential more heavily than immediate returns.

A Broader Bench: Iyer, Easwaran, and Sarfaraz

• Shreyas Iyer, though not in the current Test setup, brings white-ball pedigree but still has technical frailties in red-ball cricket.

• Abhimanyu Easwaran has long been a domestic run-machine and is a steady backup option, though the selectors seem hesitant to give him a long rope.

• Sarfaraz Khan, by contrast, grabbed his opportunity with both hands. His debut innings of 62 and 68* showed intent, confidence, and a refusal to be bogged down. He looked like a player ready for the rigors of Test cricket.

Assessment: Karun’s recall looks more like a stopgap than a long-term solution. Sai and Sarfaraz, on the other hand, represent the future. Easwaran is reliable but unspectacular, while Iyer’s Test credentials remain doubtful until proven.

Impact on the WTC Cycle

The 2–2 draw keeps India alive in the 2025–27 WTC cycle, but the bigger picture is about building a side that can consistently challenge away from home. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Youth at the Core: With Gill, Sai, Sarfaraz, and Prasidh, India has a young nucleus. Their development will define India’s chances in the next two years.

2. Bowling Depth Matters: Injuries to Bumrah or Shami will no longer cripple India if Siraj and Prasidh continue to mature as spearheads.

3. Middle-Order Uncertainty: Until a stable No. 3 and No. 5 are locked in, India will remain vulnerable in seaming conditions. This is where selectors must choose between investing in youth (Sai, Sarfaraz) or leaning on experience (Karun, Iyer).

4. Discipline and Points Penalties: The WTC’s strict over-rate and conduct penalties nearly cost India valuable points in this series. Under Gill, managing game tempo will be as important as winning sessions.

Key takeaways from the series

This series was not just about India or England - it was about the state of Test cricket itself.

• Viewership Spike: Free-to-air broadcasts and viral clips of Woakes batting with one arm and Prasidh’s final burst brought back a sense of romance around Tests.

• Narrative Power: Stories of grit, comeback, and heartbreak resonated far more than any franchise T20 result this year.

• India’s Role: As the biggest market for cricket, India’s commitment to backing youth in Tests, rather than resting stars exclusively for T20Is, will shape how global fans perceive the longest format.

This was not a dead rubber series. It was a live demonstration that Test cricket, when played with intent and storylines, remains unmatched in drama and depth.

The final word

At the end of five gripping Tests, the scoreboard read 2–2. But the real result lies elsewhere:

• Gill emerged not just as a captain but as a leader of a new era.

• Siraj and Prasidh established India’s bowling future.

• Karun Nair’s career hangs in the balance, while Sai Sudharsan and Sarfaraz Khan look poised to inherit the mantle.

• The WTC cycle remains wide open, but India has the raw material to dominate if selections are bold and consistent.

Test cricket is often accused of being too slow for modern tastes, but this series proved the opposite: that no other format can stretch human emotion, resilience, and strategy across five days in such epic proportions. For India, the draw wasn’t a disappointment. It was a stepping stone. The seeds of the future have been sown. And if nurtured well, they could define Indian cricket’s next golden decade.

Jai Ho!

High-handed Ben Stokes shown his rightful place

Dear Ben Stokes, 

After making such a stellar contribution with bat and ball in the fourth Test at Manchester, you served a very important lesson to everyone: One could be his country's captain, one could have performed with the most impressive numbers in batting as well as bowling. But if your conduct reeks of condescension and high-handedness, it lends a very avoidable yet glaring blemish in your otherwise laudable performance during the Test.

I am not here to summarize the scorecard or even the match. Everyone knows the result and everyone would agree that the Indian team earned a very creditable draw, easily coming out of Day 5 as the happier of the two sides.

The critics of Test cricket often argue that it might not be exciting because even after 5 long days of cricket, there might be a draw, which means neither team won. But so what? Isn't life also like that at times? At times, the scales of which of the two sparring opponents has the upper hand are not always unequivocally tilted toward any one specific way. 

Denying a win to your opponent, after what looked like a done-and-dusted content to even the most ardent fans, can be extremely satisfying. Even as good as (if not better than) a win. Just look back at what Ashwin, and Hanuma Vihari did at Sydney in 2021. Or what Gautam Gambhir achieved at Napier in 2009. This was just as much of a great Test match where a draw was achieved by batting to save the match against all odds and when everything seemed like a foregone conclusion and lost long, long ago.

Anyway, Mr. Stokes, I digress. The point is that after another such thrilling encounter between two highly competitive sides, when a draw was clearly on the cards, why did you have to resort to an attitude that does not behove an international cricketer, let alone the captain of his team?

Nobody is contesting the fact that why did you offer a draw? Just as that's very much within the rules, so is the fact that the Indian players were similarly entitled to exercise their choice. How can this everyone-needs-to-bow-down-and-comply-with-my-choice attitude be entertained by any fair person?

"So you want to get your hundred batting against Book?"

No, Jadeja didn't say so, Mr. Stokes. Bring on Carse, Dawson, Archers, Woakes, and you yourself - who's stopping you? Since when did the fact that you didn't want to risk your main bowlers getting injured become your opponent (India's) problems? 

In fact, it was only nice of the Indians to shake hands as soon as both Washy and Jaddu got to their hundreds. I would have loved to see India playing out the full hour. Why not? Isn't it part of the tactics to tire out the opposition, every possible way? You may find that it does not lead to a result but look at it from the Indian team's POV: Isn't tiring your (any) bowlers and keeping your team on the field for that much (read every possible minute) longer worth it? Is it not a good result from an Indian POV? Sure, it might not suit you but again how is that India's problem? This is why the consent of both captains is sought before a mutually agreed draw an hour being scheduled close of play on Day 5. Only and only if BOTH captains agree.

So gulp your grumpy high-handed attitude down your throat and embrace humility. It is only when you give others the respect that they rightfully deserve that you will also get respect in return. Otherwise, all the wonderful numbers and performances you put would come with a disclaimer: Aah, if only he were a nicer and fairer person too, who could have learnt to accept that the world is not here to just comply with him.

Go well and hope to see a better version of you, going forward.

Cheers!

Lessons from the first Test

Ab jo ho gaya, so ho gaya. But it's time to reflect and ensure we identify and learn from our mistakes from this Test to come up with a better result next time.

The first Test between India and England in the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy offered more than just a contest between bat and ball; it was a lesson-rich chapter for Team India. As the series progresses, let's look at the key takeaways from this match which can be very important for crafting a successful campaign.

1. The Importance of Mental Resilience

One of the biggest takeaways is the significance of mental fortitude. The match illustrated how quickly momentum can shift in Test cricket. England's comeback from a challenging position in the second innings underscored the necessity for India to maintain focus and composure across all sessions.

2. Understanding Conditions Better

While the pitch offered balanced conditions for both batters and bowlers, adapting quickly was key. In the first Test, Joe Root and England's tail adjusted to the pitch by relying more on sweeps and counter-attacks, putting pressure on India's bowlers. The lesson here is for India to read the surface and weather dynamics more astutely and adjust strategies accordingly.

3. Bowling in Partnerships

Effective bowling in partnerships can apply more pressure and create more opportunities. The first Test witnessed moments where India's bowlers, despite starting strong, failed to maintain pressure from both ends. This allowed England's batters like Ollie Pope to settle and build match-defining innings. Building a collaborative approach within the bowling unit can turn the tide in long matches.

4. The Role of Tailenders

With the tail becoming increasingly valuable, ensuring lower-order contributions can no longer be overlooked. In this match, England's tail wagged effectively, adding valuable runs that bolstered their total. Team India needs to focus more on tail-end batting preparation and adopt strategies that enable lower-order resilience.

5. Seizing Opportunities

Dropping crucial catches or failing to utilize moments of vulnerability can prove costly. The match emphasized the necessity of sharp fielding and clinical execution when opportunities arise, as evidenced by a crucial dropped chance that allowed England's batters to extend their innings significantly.

Conclusion

The first Test of the Tendulkar–Anderson Trophy was a reminder that victories are built upon countless moments of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. By focusing on these learnings, Team India can approach the rest of the series with a more robust and refined mindset, ready to rise to the challenge posed by a formidable England side.
Jai Ho!