Shreyas Iyer Credits ‘Champion’ Mindset for Comprehensive Win Over Pakistan in Asian Games Final

Rain had been a relentless obstacle since the squad arrived in Japan, with wet conditions preventing full practice for nearly a week. Reflecting on the broadcast post-match, Iyer noted: “Since the day we arrived in Japan, it was raining cats and dogs, and we couldn’t practice for almost a week.” He emphasized the squad’s resilience: “But the boys, the way they prepped themselves, and also we were doing our training on the side… we didn’t complain, we didn’t give any reasons [excuses], so that was the sign of a champion team, and today was just the reflection of that.”

Inclement weather impacted all four semi-finalists—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—equally. However, India gained a slight edge by playing a one-off T20I against Japan prior to the Asian Games. Although that contest in Sano was reduced to five overs a side due to rain, it provided the Indian squad with better familiarity with local conditions than their primary opponents, particularly since all four quarter-finals were eventually washed out.

India and Pakistan had defeated Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively to reach the gold-medal match. Once India posted 211 for 6, a formidable total given the Nisshin conditions, the final appeared to be one-sided. Ten overs into the chase, Pakistan languished at 76 for 3. The contest was reignited, however, by Hasan Nawaz, whose solo effort of 96 runs off 51 balls briefly put Pakistan back in contention.

Discussing the tactical shift, Iyer explained: “Well, they were cruising pretty well, and they got that momentum in between. I just wanted to see to it that I get that fifth bowler [out of the way] as soon as possible, finish it off, and then [Jasprit] Bumrah was there, Washy [Washington Sundar] was there.” Iyer added: “The lead bowlers, they wanted to come in as well.”

Pakistan remained in contention after 14 overs, with 86 required from the final 36 balls, featuring Saim Ayub and Nawaz at the crease ahead of Abdul Samad. Yet the required run rate continued to climb, forcing Pakistan into a perpetual catch-up position.

“I basically paced their [fifth and sixth bowlers’] overs pretty well, that’s what I felt, and especially when the run rate is about 13 to 14, we know that the batsmen they are going to take charge, and one wicket is going to change the momentum, shift the momentum towards us,” Iyer said. “So that’s what happened, and that crucial wicket of [Ayub] – I don’t remember the name of the batsman – that changed the momentum.”

From an Indian perspective, the victory was defined by balanced contributions. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma delivered quick half-centuries, while Shivam Dube struck a rapid 27 off 15 balls during the innings. On the field, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Dube each claimed two wickets.

“When you’re playing a final, you want each and every individual to step up and deliver, and that’s what we witnessed today,” Iyer said. “Abhishek giving us that start, and then Tilak basically finishing off the innings… and then in bowling, Washy taking the charge, Axar being himself all the time, and Bumrah, we know what he has got in his armoury. So, yeah, collective effort and overall I would say comprehensive win.”

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