All eyes will once again be on Suryakumar Yadav and Team India when they face Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four on Sunday. The clash comes just a week after their previous meeting ended not only in India’s victory but also in a controversy that spilled off the field.
In that group-stage match, Indian players skipped the customary handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture that triggered strong reactions and even led to threats of withdrawal from Pakistan’s camp. As the two sides prepare for another high-voltage showdown, Yadav was inevitably asked if fans could expect a repeat of that “same” episode.
The Indian skipper handled the question with composure and wit. When a reporter indirectly referred to the incident, asking if India would repeat its “performance,” Yadav smiled and replied, “Oh, you mean with the ball? Yes, definitely. We have a good balance with bat and ball. Playing in front of a packed crowd, with so much support, motivates us to give our best for the country.”
Blocking Out the Noise
With the spotlight firmly on him, Yadav admitted that staying insulated from outside chatter is not always easy. “The best way is to close your room, switch off your phone, and sleep,” he said. “It sounds simple, but it’s tough in reality. You meet friends, go out for dinner, and teammates are always checking updates. So yes, shutting it all out is difficult.”
Still, the 33-year-old believes players must decide for themselves what to absorb and what to ignore. “It’s on you what you want to take in. Some things can be positive and worth listening to, but at the end of the day, the focus has to be on practice and performance.
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Leading by Example
Last week, Yadav anchored India’s chase against Pakistan with an unbeaten 47, finishing the game in style with a six. His decision not to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at either the toss or after the game sparked debate, but Yadav clarified his stand by dedicating the win to the Indian Armed Forces in memory of victims of the Pahalgam attack.
Former players and fans may have differing opinions on his choices, but Yadav’s clarity in leadership is evident. “I’ve been very clear with the boys,” he said on the eve of Sunday’s game. “If we want to succeed in this tournament and beyond, we have to cut out unnecessary distractions and focus only on what helps us improve.”
As India and Pakistan prepare for yet another chapter in their storied rivalry, the cricket may once again share the stage with the politics and emotions that surround it. But for Suryakumar Yadav, the priority remains simple: shut out the noise and play for India.
