Ahead of their highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match, which will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14, Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav cautioned Pakistan in a rather casual manner on Tuesday.
While Pakistan will play Oman at the same location on Friday, India will begin their campaign against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday in Dubai.
"Aggression is always there when we take the field. Without aggression, you can't play cricket. I am really excited to play cricket starting tomorrow," Suryakumar Yadav told the reporters at the captains’ meet.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also echoed Surya's sentiments and said, " You don’t need to say anything to any player. Everyone is individually very different. If somebody wants to be aggressive in the field, they are more than welcome to do that. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive, and you can’t stop them. That’s what keeps them going. From my side, there’s no instruction to anyone – as long as it stays on the field."
India's full-time T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has had a strong record since Rohit Sharma resigned from the format after the 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
India has won 17 of 22 games under his leadership. India will participate in a multinational competition for the first time under Surya's leadership at the Asia Cup.
India will start their campaign against minnows UAE, a team coached by Lalchand Rajput.
“They are playing an exciting brand of cricket and came close in some of the games in a (recent) tri-series. Hope they cross the line in the Asia Cup," he said.
When coaxed about the challenges and whether there will be a change in India's approach, the Indian captain said, " When you play a format, you need to know how good your preparation is. Why mend something that isn’t broken? If something has given us results, why would we need to change that aspect separately?"
On having part-time bowlers in their ranks, Surya said, "It's an added advantage. If your top-order batter gives you an extra over, that is always good for a captain. Someone who can roll their arm is also good."
The T20I against the UAE on September 10 will be India’s first after seven months.
"I think as a team we last played in January and February. The boys have played in the IPL. Yes, after June, we haven't played much T20 cricket. We accept the challenge. Let's see how it goes. We are playing T20 games after a long time. We have had good times at the nets. We are looking to play some good cricket in the tournament," he said.
Surya also downplayed the notion that India is the favorite to win the Asia Cup.
"It is a format where any team can have an impact," he said.
After the UAE on September 10 and Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, India will face Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
(PTI inputs)
