Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav stated that tuning out external distractions has been his approach to managing controversies during the Asia Cup 2025 so far. The Men in Blue faced significant attention during the group stage when they declined to shake hands with Pakistan following their encounter at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14.
The two rivals are set to meet again in the Super 4 stage. India topped Group A with three consecutive wins, while Pakistan secured second place by defeating Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pakistan nearly quit the tournament after the ICC rejected their request to remove Andy Pycroft as match referee for the UAE clash.
Nevertheless, the match went ahead after a one-hour delay, with Pycroft retaining his role as match official. Amid a series of controversies, the Indian cricket team has found itself in the spotlight, with captain Suryakumar Yadav emerging as the key figure addressing the media and critics.
“Close your room, switch off your phone, and sleep. I think that is the best. It is easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult, because you meet a lot of friends, and you go out for dinner. It is on you, what you want to listen to, what you want in your mind,” Suryakumar Yadav said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Super 4 stage clash against Pakistan (via Times of India).
“I’ve been very clear with all the boys. I think it is very important that if you want to do well in this tournament, and going forward, we will have to shut a lot of noise from outside. I’m not saying shut the noise completely, but take what is good for you. Someone can give good advice as well, which can help you in the game,” he added.
“Not An Excuse” – Suryakumar Yadav On Dew In IND vs OMA Asia Cup 2025
In the Asia Cup 2025, India encountered a tough challenge from a determined Oman side. The Men in Blue opted to rest Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy for the inconsequential match, defending a substantial target of 189 runs. Despite this, Oman remained composed in their chase, putting up a commendable fight against the world champions and ending at 167-4.
“I feel they played some good brand of cricket, they batted really well, there was a little bit of dew, but that is not an excuse. From our batting point of view, our batters did not get a lot of game time, starting from Sanju, Hardik, Axar, even Dube,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
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