India captain Suryakumar Yadav spoke about the highly charged encounters against the Pakistan team in the recent Asia Cup 2025 tournament. India defeated Pakistan thrice in the tournament, including in the final of the Asia Cup on Sunday, September 28.
There was a lot of controversy for the Asia Cup, as there were calls for Team India to boycott the tournament or matches against Pakistan. Indian team then refused to shake hands with Pakistani players before and after their matches.
India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in Group game, by 6 wickets in Super Fours game and finally, by 5 wickets in the Asia Cup final to become 9-time champions.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav had refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha and ahead of the final, didn’t appear for the captain’s photoshoot with the trophy.
Even in the title match, while India focused on giving their all on the pitch, Pakistan used dirty techniques to unnerve the Indian players. In an exclusive post-game interview with NDTV's Boria Majumdar, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was asked how he handled Salman Ali Agha's team's provocations.
"There has to be a difference. I think there has to be a difference between the two sides. We never made any gesture, no hand movements. We wanted to play the game with dignity. They wanted to make a statement outside. The result can go in any team's favour. But when you come back, you should be happy with the effort you gave, the game you played. From outside, people think a lot happens, but I told the players, 'Let's keep the emotions aside and play a good game. Whatever comes at the end, we'll take it'," Suryakumar told Boria Majumdar for NDTV and RevSportz.
Suryakumar also praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for serving as a shield in front of the squad throughout the Asia Cup. Suryakumar further stated that the Indian squad is ready for the next step in its development.
"It is such a big board, so many players, such a big country. BCCI stood ahead of us, gave us ample support. Hence, it's the players' duty to give it back to the board by playing good cricket, and win trophies. When I got injured, I explored the entire facility (Center of Excellence in Bengaluru). That is when I realised that this is the time for India to touch new heights in cricket. The facilities were designed for the players. We had not played cricket for three or four months, but it didn't look like players were coming into the Asia Cup on the back of big gaps, all thanks to BCCI's facilities,” he signed off.
