Suryakumar Yadav Won’t Tell His Players to Control Aggression Against Pakistan in Asia Cup

Suryakumar Yadav expressed excitement for the 2025 Asia Cup, acknowledging the significant challenge his team faces against Asia's top sides.

Suryakumar Yadav Won’t Tell His Players to Control Aggression Against Pakistan in Asia Cup

Suryakumar Yadav stated that he would not stop him players from being aggressive, during India-Pakistan clash. (via Hindustan Times)

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India’s much-anticipated 2025 Asia Cup clash against Pakistan is just a few days away, as the two rivals get ready to face each other on September 14 in Dubai. Ahead of the high-voltage match, Suryakumar Yadav stated that he would not ask his players to curb their aggression during the contest.

The India-Pakistan fixture is set to be the headline event of the ongoing 2025 Asia Cup. The eight participating teams have been divided into groups of four each; Group A includes India, Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. At the pre-tournament press conference, the captains of all eight nations were present, to share their plans.

The Men in Blue, having last faced their arch-rivals at the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they confidently triumphed by six wickets, are preparing for a strong performance amidst high tensions between the two countries. The relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives, and also brought the two nations to the brink of a full-scale conflict.

Following the May escalation, there were widespread calls to boycott the India-Pakistan Asia Cup fixture. At the press conference, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was questioned about the uncertainty around the match and how he would manage the emotional intensity of his players.

To this, the 34-year-old stated that he would not tell his players to hold back their aggression, arguing that it is a necessary on-field trait and that cricket cannot be played without it. Yadav told the reporters (H/T ESPN Cricinfo):

Temper? Aggression is always there when we take the field. And without aggression, I don’t think you can play this sport. I’m very excited to take the field.

In response to Suryakumar Yadav’s comments on the Indian team being aggressive, even against their arch-rivals, Pakistani T20I captain Salman Ali Agha emphasized the differences in the approach and mentality among his players. He firmly supported his team’s right to express themselves freely as well, and welcomed aggression with open arms, rather than forcing his players to be something they are not.

You don’t need to say anything to any player… If someone wants to be aggressive on the field, they are more than welcome to do that.

At the end of the press-conference, however, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha did not greet each other on the stage, which became a major talking point. However, Yadav was later captured shaking hands with Salman Agha and Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi, behind the scenes.

Suryakumar Yadav Gives Witty Reply to Reporter’s Question on Sanju Samson’s Asia Cup Spot

Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav gave a hilarious response to a reporter’s question on wicket-keeper Sanju Samson’s place in the playing XI, at the 2025 Asia Cup. The 34-year-old was asked about it at the pre-tournament press conference, in which the captains of all the eight teams participated. 

Suryakumar Yadav on Sanju Samson
Suryakumar Yadav cleared the air surrounding Sanju Samson’s place in the playing XI, at the Asia Cup. (via Navbharat Times)

Sanju Samson might not be picked in India’s T20I lineup at the Asia Cup, following the return of Test captain Shubman Gill, after a year-long absence. It also puts Samson’s role as an opener in doubt, despite having achieved success over the past year, scoring three T20I hundreds. Jitesh Sharma’s inclusion also puts pressure on the Kerala batter, as he now faces competition for the wicket-keeper position as well.

Amid the uncertainty, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav rose to occasion to clear the air around the 30-year-old place in the lineup. He jokingly told a reporter that he would personally inform him before the match whether Samson would be in the starting XI. He also assured everyone that the team management would make the right selection decisions and that the Sanju Samson was being well taken care of.

Sir, I shall message you the playing XI. But yes, we are really taking good care of him and don’t worry, we shall make the right decision.

While Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir might have kept their final playing XI decisions under wraps, a recent team practice session provided some hints. Both Samson and Rinku Sharma practiced in the side nets away from the others, and batted only after the team had finished.

Also Read: Dinesh Karthik Surprisingly Picks Abhishek Sharma, Who Has Played Only 17 T20Is, in India’s All-Time XI