In the build-up to the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai, young opener Saim Ayub showed remarkable composure, brushing aside questions about his team’s poor recent record against India. The 23-year-old left-hander, who has quickly become one of Pakistan’s brightest batting prospects, made it clear that dwelling on the past is not part of the team’s mindset.

During the pre-match press conference, Saim Ayub was reminded of the last T20I meeting between the two arch-rivals — the 2024 T20 World Cup clash in New York. India were bowled out for 119, yet managed to restrict Pakistan to 113/7 in a thriller.

Asked if he recalled the heartbreak, Saim Ayub smiled and responded, “Sir, it has been a year and a half. At that time, if you had asked me, I would have told you how I felt. Do you remember? I do not remember now.”

ALSO READ: Kiran More Emerges as Frontrunner For BCCI President Role

Ayub explained that the current message from Pakistan’s management has been to neither cling to past defeats nor overthink future challenges. “The most important thing is to learn from the past and move forward. We don’t want to remember the past and don’t want to focus too much on the future,” he said.

Instead, the youngster emphasized that the Asia Cup as a whole is the bigger picture. “It is going to be a big match for the people. But for us as a team, it is another game in the tournament. Our aim is not just the India-Pakistan clash — our goal is to win the tournament,” he added.

Ayub, who played a pivotal role with both bat and part-time spin against Oman, will be crucial for Pakistan. He picked up two wickets in that game, underlining his growing value as a utility player.

ALSO READ: Rajeev Shukla Confirms Team India’s New Jersey Sponsor To Be Finalised Soon

When asked about facing India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Ayub once again stayed unfazed. “Every bowler is a challenge. The biggest challenge is to make the team win. We are in the present moment, and that is what matters,” he concluded.

With such maturity at a young age, Saim Ayub’s calm approach could be a vital factor as Pakistan gear up for one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.