Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav found himself in the spotlight during the post-match press conference after India’s 21-run win over Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup group stage clash on Saturday. With the much-anticipated Super-Four face-off against Pakistan just a day away, journalists repeatedly pushed him with Pakistan-centric questions.
However, the Indian captain remained calm and witty, skillfully steering the conversation away from controversy and back to cricket. India’s victory over Oman, though closer than expected, was overshadowed by the lingering fallout from the previous India-Pakistan encounter.
That match, played last Sunday, had been uneventful on the field but sparked heated debates after the Indian team reportedly avoided shaking hands with their arch-rivals. While the focus should have been on Oman’s spirited fight and India’s experimental strategies, nearly every question directed at Suryakumar referenced Pakistan in one way or another.
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When asked about the storied rivalry between the two nations, particularly during the 2000s, Suryakumar Yadav kept it lighthearted.
“At that time, I don’t know. I have never played, so I can’t say,” Suryakumar Yadav said with a smile. He quickly shifted the narrative toward the fans and the joy of cricket. “If we talk about rivalry, I don’t know what kind of rivalry you are talking about. After going on the ground, I feel the stadium is full. And when it is full, I tell my team, this is time for entertainment. People have come to watch, so we need to give them a good brand of cricket. That’s what matters.”
Once again suryakumar Yadav own Pakistan in press conference.😭🔥
“I don’t know what rivalry you’re talking about. For me, once I step onto the ground and see it full, I just tell my players it’s time to entertain everyone. We just focus on playing good cricket. We’ve played… pic.twitter.com/MCSC7hjCWC
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) September 20, 2025
Another reporter hinted at India’s “other actions” against Pakistan, clearly alluding to the handshake controversy. Suryakumar Yadav brushed it off with a cheeky reply: “By other things, you mean we bowled well, isn’t it?” The response drew laughter but also highlighted his intent to avoid fanning the flames any further.
Looking ahead to the high-stakes clash against Pakistan in the Super-Four stage, the skipper emphasised the importance of mental composure.
“Close your room, switch off your phone and go to sleep. That’s the best way. It’s difficult because friends, family, and even teammates talk about these things. But it’s on you what you want to listen to, what you want to keep in your mind before you go back to practice or play again,” Suryakumar Yadav explained.
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Suryakumar Yadav also underlined his message to the squad: block out unnecessary distractions but remain open to constructive inputs. “I’ve been very clear with all the boys. If we want to do well in this tournament and beyond, we’ll have to shut out a lot of outside noise. Not everything, because sometimes you do get good advice that helps. But focus only on what makes you better as a player.”
As India prepares for yet another emotionally charged clash with Pakistan, their captain’s composure and ability to deflect controversy may prove just as crucial as his explosive batting.
