Suryakumar Yadav Gets Praise from Oman Captain for Sportsmanship, Days After Handshake Controversy

India’s experience helped them close out the match after Oman's setbatters, who were on course to a win, fell towards the end of the chase.

Suryakumar Yadav Gets Praise from Oman Captain for Sportsmanship, Days After Handshake Controversy

Oman captain Jatinder Singh praised Suryakumar Yadav for talking to his players, after the match. (via Hindustan Times)

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Oman captain Jatinder Singh was full of praise for his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav, who shared insights with the players, after the end of a 2025 Asia Cup encounter. The 35-year-old Indian T20I skipper was seen giving a lecture to the Oman players, who had gathered all around him.

The Oman Men’s cricket team put up a tough fight against the world number 1-ranked T20I team, losing their final group stage encounter at the 2025 Asia Cup by a margin of just 21 runs. Batting first, the Men in Blue posted a first innings total of 188 runs, guided by Sanju Samson‘s gritty half-century. In their chase, Oman finished with 167/4, falling short despite a 93-run stand between Aamir Kaleem and Hammad Mirza.

Had both the batters stayed on until the end, they could have easily taken Oman past the line, in what could have marked their second-ever victory over an ICC full-member playing nation. Once the customary handshakes and post-match formalities were over, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav showed a great gesture by addressing the entire Oman team and support staff, who had gathered to hear him speak.

The former world no. 1 T20I batter lectured the Oman players, lauding them for their unexpectedly strong display, without getting intimidated by the big Indian names. The 35-year-old shared valuable tips and advice, while also commending the two half-centurions, Kaleem and Mirza for their remarkable stroke play. For the Oman players, it was a dream come true, as they later posed for pictures with Yadav and the other Indian players on the pitch. 

Oman captain Jatinder Singh, during the post-match interview, noted that Suryakumar Yadav’s insights would clear the doubt that the Oman players had about playing in different phases of a T20 game. He also spoke about the value of the Indian captain’s words.

This act of sportsmanship seemingly puts an end to the previous accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct made against Suryakumar Yadav by the Pakistani team during the ‘handshake controversy’ from their earlier Asia Cup match.

Surya [Suryakumar Yadav] spoke about the game and praised us, which means a lot. Our boys had questions on how to play in different phases of the T20 game. It was really nice to have a chat with him.

Interestingly, Suryakumar Yadav was invited to speak to the Oman players by the team’s deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, who once played for Mumbai. A former wicket-keeper, Kulkarni had watched the Indian T20I captain play during his early u-19 days, and the two share a great camaraderie.

Oman’s Jatinder Singh Asks BCCI for Access to Bengaluru’s NCA Following Suryakumar Yadav’s Pep Talk

Oman captain Jatinder Singh urged India and the BCCI to come forward and help bridge the gap between associate team and full-member teams in the future. Singh made this plea after a pep talk from Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav following their 2025 Asia Cup clash.

Oman players BCCI NCA
Oman captain Jatinder Singh urged the BCCI to allow the team to use its facilities in India. (via Mint)

Oman team’s debut appearance at the Asia Cup concluded with a 21-run defeat to India in their final group stage match. India topped Group A with a perfect record of three wins, and Pakistan secured the second spot with two wins. Both India and Pakistan have now advanced to the ‘Super Fours’ stage, where they will compete against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for a place in the final of the 2025 Asia Cup.

Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Oman captain Jatinder Singh, hoped that the BCCI would help his team compete on an equal footing with Test-playing nations. He urged for the Oman team to be allowed to train at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, follow the same fitness regimen as the Indian team and be granted permission for friendly matches against teams.

Well, I think if we can get India coming forward, letting us make their home our home. If we can train there, go to the NCAs, train our skills, mental aspects, the fitness part, and play a lot of T20s with the club teams and Ranji teams.

Furthermore, Jatinder Singh also backed the need for tournaments like the Asia Cup, where associate nations can face Test-playing sides. He also highlighted the need for his players to get exposed to franchise cricket leagues, across the world. 

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