Tilak Varma triggers meme fest with Asia Cup heroics: ‘Pehle sindoor lagaya, ab tilak’

Tilak Varma’s composure under pressure powered India to a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on Sunday.

Tilak Varma’s composure under pressure powered India to a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on Sunday. The 22-year-old finished unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, including a crucial six off Haris Rauf in the 20th over.

Dubai, Sep 29 (ANI): India's Tilak Varma celebrates after winning Asia Cup 2025 final match against Pakistan, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. (ANI Photo) (Surjeet Yadav)

Varma, alongside Shivam Dube, played a pivotal role in turning the game in India’s favour. The pair put on 60 runs from just 40 balls, snatching victory from Pakistan’s grasp. For his match-winning innings, Varma was named ‘Player of the Match’.

Fans across the cricketing world agreed that the accolade was well deserved. Social media exploded with memes and posts hailing Tilak Varma as the hero of the Asia Cup final.

Take a look at the best Tilak Varma posts:

One ecstatic fan, interviewed by ANI, referred to Operation Sindoor and said: “Pehle humne Sindoor lagaya tha aur ab Tilak lagaya hai.”

The BCCI has declared that the Asia Cup-winning Indian cricket team and its support staff will be presented a prize money of ₹21 crore for its unbeaten run in the just-concluded tournament.

The Board made the announcement after the team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in the final of the tournament in Dubai on Sunday.

"It was (an) extraordinary victory and therefore as a part of celebrations, BCCI has announced a cash award of ₹21 crore in favour of the players and the support staff who are part of the Indian team in the Asia Cup," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI.

However, the body did not give details of the exact break-up of the fund.

(With inputs from agencies)