When talking about Saturday's India-Pakistan cricket matches, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav emphasized the importance of entertainment value over animosity. He concentrated on providing the crowded stadiums with high-caliber cricket.
His words come before the India v Pakistan Super Four game in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, to be played in Dubai on September 21, 2025. India has already defeated Pakistan in the group A match at the same venue a week back.
Ahead of the match, Suryakumar Yadav played down the hype of the encounter.
"At that time, I don't know; I didn't play (laughs), so I can't say, but if we talk about rivalry, I don't know what rivalry you are talking about. I just feel that the stadium is full, and when the stadium is full, I tell my team and everyone that it's time for entertainment, and people have come to watch the match, so you have to entertain and entertain everyone. Let's play some good brand of cricket," Suryakumar told reporters.
Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the challenge of managing external pressures before crucial matches. Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan's skipper, Salman Ali Agha, before or after the match. His decision was in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam tragedy, and he dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces.
This action raised tensions with the neighboring countries ahead of the Asia Cup Super 4s match. When questioned about dealing with external expectations, Yadav revealed his thoughts on managing distractions.
"Close your room, switch off your phone, and sleep. I think that's the best thing. It's easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult because you meet a lot of friends, you go out for dinner, and you have a lot of players who like to see all these things, so it's very difficult. It's on you what you want to listen to, what you want to have in your mind, and whether you want to go on and have a practice session or go on and have a game.
I have been very clear with all the boys. I think it's very important if we want to do well in this tournament and going forward, we will have to shut out a lot of noise from outside and take what is good for you. I am not saying shut out the noise completely, but take what is good for you, and someone can give you good advice as well, which can help you in the game and on the ground," he further explained.
When asked about the team's previous performance and the no-handshake policy, Yadav politely redirected the conversation.
"By other things, you mean we bowled well, isn't it? I feel our preparations have been really good leading into the tournament, and we had three good games also. So we are actually focusing on what we can do best. The captain downplayed the importance of winning the toss in the hot and humid conditions: "We will have to start well from scratch, and whoever plays well will win the game,” Suryakumar added.
