Ice in Their Veins: How India's Self-Belief Led to a Thrilling Asia Cup 2025 Victory Against Pakistan

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has expressed his admiration for the Indian cricket team following their dramatic victory in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. The Mahindra Group Chairperson shared an image of the Indian team on the field, describing their self-belief as "the true Brahmastra of a nation."

In his social media post on X, Mr. Mahindra wrote: "When the bowlers saw the opposition opening batsmen running away with the game, they held their focus and then made the wickets tumble like skittles. When the batsmen saw our opening heroes depart early, they stayed calm and turned the chase into a stroll. Nerves of steel, ice in their veins. Self-belief is the Brahmastra of every individual, and of a nation. I salute Team India for reminding us of that truth. That's why they are our Monday motivation."

The Brahmastra, referenced in Mr. Mahindra's post, is a legendary weapon from Hindu mythology, often used metaphorically to represent an unstoppable force or ultimate power.

India claimed their ninth Asia Cup title on Sunday in a match filled with dramatic momentum shifts. Pakistan appeared to be heading towards a substantial total at 113/1 by the 13th over, but India's spinners orchestrated a remarkable collapse.

Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the key figure in India's comeback, taking four wickets, including a game-changing three wickets in the 17th over. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy secured the remaining wickets, dismissing Pakistan for 146 runs in 19.1 overs.

India's chase of 147 began with early setbacks as they were reduced to 20/3. However, Tilak Varma formed crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, scoring an unbeaten 69 from 51 deliveries.

The victory was sealed by Rinku Singh, who hit a boundary to give India a thrilling five-wicket win with just one ball remaining.

In a notable post-match development, the Indian team declined to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy, citing the Pahalgam terror attack and ongoing military tensions. The players refused awards from the Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, later conducting a mock celebration with an imaginary trophy.

Earlier in the tournament, India had also dominated Pakistan in the Super Fours match of the T20 Asia Cup, winning by six wickets. That victory was powered by Abhishek Sharma's impressive 74 runs off 39 balls, guiding India to their highest successful run chase against Pakistan in T20 Internationals.

Following the Super Fours victory, Mr. Mahindra had shared his reaction on X, quoting Sharma's words, "You talk, we win," adding, "No more words need to be added. This post is my #MondayMotivation."