India and Pakistan are set to clash on February 15 in Colombo in T20 World Cup.
Notably, Pakistan has refused to play this match against India; that was confirmed by the Pakistan government and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan has taken this step in solidarity with Bangladesh, which was removed from the T20 World Cup by the ICC after it refused to play its matches in India, citing security concerns.
However, Suryakumar Yadav stated that the Indian team has been instructed to play their game against Pakistan in Colombo, and their flights for the same have been booked.
“Humne manaa nahi kiya hai khelne. Unhone mana kiya hai. Hamara flights booked hai Colombo ke liye (We have not refused to play against Pakistan. They have refused. Our flights for Colombo for the Pakistan game are booked.
Pehle hum yahan khelenge, phir Dilli jaayenge, phir wahaan se Colombo jaayenge (First we will play in Mumbai, then head to Delhi, and then travel to Colombo),” Yadav said in a press conference.
Answering another question about the Pakistan situation, the Indian captain said, “I feel their decision is not in my control. We have been told we have to play a game on the 15th. We played them thrice in the Asia Cup. We played well. We have a game to play on the 15th.”
Suryakumar Yadav was also asked about the talent in Indian cricket and the team’s mentality in the tournament.
“Good headache to have. It can get difficult to pick an XI. But you have to keep the team ahead and pick the best XI. We have been playing a good brand of cricket. We played bilateral and ICC events with a different mindset earlier. But for the last 12 months, we have tried to play with the same mindset,” Suryakumar said.
He also spoke about head coach Gautam Gambhir’s influence in the Indian team dressing room.
“It has been a wonderful journey. The atmosphere he has created in the team—he has tried to infuse a culture of playing for the team and keeping personal milestones. Dressing room atmosphere is very light,” he said.
Suryakumar Yadav also gave an update on all-rounder Washington Sundar and said, “Tilak Varma got a break; he didn’t play the NZ series. He looked like a different player when he came back. We spoke to Washington Sundar; he is almost there. We are willing to be patient with him.”
He also shared his views on the dew factor that is expected to play a huge role in the T20 World Cup.
He said, “Dew is not controllable. We will control what we can control. We are doing well batting 1st and chasing. We will take a call on the big matches. We have played a lot of matches when there is dew. We should look to ignore that factor.”
India is the defending T20 World Cup champions, and Suryakumar talked about the expectations on him and the team.
“The way we have been playing, it looks like that (the pressure is on us). I am very relieved to get my form back. Good to be back among the runs before a big tournament,” Surya said.
India will open their T20 World Cup on Saturday against the USA.
(Indian Express/PTI inputs)