Holding Tricolour With Gold Medal Is a Different Feeling Entirely: Tilak Varma

India retained their Asian Games title with a 19-run victory over Pakistan at the Korogi Sports Park, with Varma playing a key role in taking the team past the 200-run mark.

Varma remained unbeaten on 51 from just 22 deliveries and said the experience of standing on the podium with the national flag was unlike the feeling associated with major International Cricket Council tournaments.

He said winning competitions such as the World Cup or Champions Trophy brings its own sense of achievement, but receiving an Asian Games gold medal while holding the Indian flag creates an emotion that is difficult to put into words.

Varma, who has now won his second Asian Games gold medal, said he felt fortunate to have experienced the moment again and was proud to have contributed to another gold for India.

Reflecting on his innings, Varma said the final against Pakistan naturally brought pressure, particularly after India lost wickets in quick succession. However, he said the team's experience helped the players remain focused on the situation rather than the occasion.

After India lost captain Shreyas Iyer, Varma said his immediate priority was to avoid another wicket and build the innings before accelerating later. He and Shivam Dube discussed the need to spend a couple of overs consolidating before taking greater risks.

The approach paid off as Varma and Dube added 62 runs together. Dube contributed a crucial 27, while Varma accelerated towards the end to finish with an unbeaten 51.

Varma said the partnership helped India recover from the setbacks and post a competitive total, which ultimately proved enough to secure the gold medal.

The left-hander also dedicated the medal to his parents and family, saying their constant support had played an important role throughout his career.

While dedicating the victory to India, Varma said his mother and father remained especially important to him and that he wanted to share the achievement with them.