Varma explained that his mindset is always about the nation first, dedicating every effort to India, and relying on the fundamentals and coaching instilled in him since childhood to stay calm and perform.

“Of course, nerves were there, so much was going on in my mind and my body. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it now: the country is always ahead. India is far above all. What I keep in my mind and heart is, whatever I do, I dedicate everything to the country today. That’s all that was running in my mind. What is needed at this moment – if I come under pressure, I’ll let the country down. Not just myself, but all 1.4 billion people; I don’t want to let them down. So, I stay calm, rely on the basics I learned from childhood, and do what I was taught by my coaches. That’s what I used and executed,” Varma told reporters.

“Real reply comes after the match”

Meanwhile, the hero of India’s win revealed that Pakistan players targeted him with sledging on the field, trying to break his focus. He, however, chose not to disclose the specifics, calling it all part of the game during high-pressure encounters like India versus Pakistan.

“Yes, definitely – a lot happened. I can’t tell all on camera – but it happens behind the scenes between batsman and bowler, and especially in India-Pakistan games. It’s all part of the game. As I said, in the middle, a bit happens, they say something, but the real reply comes after the match – the best answer is with the bat. That’s what I did and showed them,” he added.