DUBAI – India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav has advised his players to block out external pressure ahead of their high-voltage Asia Cup rematch against Pakistan. The two arch-rivals are set to clash again on Sunday amid political tension and controversy surrounding their previous meeting.
India won their first Group A encounter, but post-match conduct — including players refusing to shake hands and dedicating the win to the Indian armed forces — drew criticism. Pakistan even considered withdrawing from the tournament in protest over what they called unsportsmanlike behavior condoned by officials.
In a press conference Saturday, Suryakumar addressed the mental pressure on his squad, urging players to avoid distractions. “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep,” he said. “You have to choose what you want to let into your mind.”
He emphasized the importance of focus and unity, especially when social media and political chatter are creating noise around the match. “We’ve had three strong games. We take each one as it comes,” he added. “The previous win means nothing — we start fresh.”
With both teams eyeing a spot in the Asia Cup final, Sunday’s game carries even more weight. But India’s skipper made it clear: mental clarity and staying grounded will be the team’s top strategy.