India, Feb. 11 -- Tilak Varma's nerves were jangling. He was a nervous wreck when India faced Pakistan in the final of last year's Asia Cup. The on-field tension notwithstanding, India had bossed Pakistan in the league stage and in the Super Six game before the contest became much more even in the final. Chasing 147, it seemed only a matter of time before India would gun it down, but an early collapse sent jitters through the Indian camp. At 20/3, Tilak felt the pressure. This was the first time he had played in the final of a tournament for India. Despite all he had achieved in the IPL and several bilaterals, a final against Pakistan is a different kettle of fish altogether.

"I was sweating even before I entered to bat. India had won bo...