Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has replied to the increasing controversy surrounding Team India’s no-handshake policy with Pakistan following their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match. This Sunday’s scheduled Super 4 match between the two old rivals is again in the limelight, with queries regarding whether India will do it all over again.
At the pre-match press conference, a reporter indirectly alluded to the controversy in the earlier match by inquiring if India would “do the same as in the last game.” Yadav’s response was reserved and calm.
“Oh, good ball performance? Yes, sure,” Yadav replied with a grin, avoiding a categorical answer regarding the handshake controversy. “It feels so great when there is a packed stadium and you receive support from such a large crowd. We just need to put our best foot forward for the nation and give our all in the match.”
Standing Firm On Solidarity
In the last game, Yadav’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss as well as after triumphing over him with a sixer provoked vehement responses from both sides of the border. The act was comprehensively applauded in India as a symbol of solidarity with Pahalgam attack victims.
Sources close to the Indian team confirmed that the decision was a collective one, aimed at sending a message without disrupting the spirit of competition on the field.
“Shutting The Noise” Before The Clash
When asked how he and the team handle the intense media scrutiny ahead of high-voltage matches like this, Yadav shared his personal approach.
“Close your room, turn off your phone and sleep. I believe that’s the best thing,” Yadav had said. “It’s simple to say, but sometimes it is hard because you meet many friends, you go out to dinner and you have a lot of players who want to see all these things, so it’s very hard.”
He also added that players must select carefully what outside views to take on. “I am not saying close the noise totally, but take what is good for you… someone can give you good advice which can help you in the game and on the ground.”
Focus On Cricket, Not Controversy
Yadav, who scored a match-winning 47* in the previous encounter, reaffirmed that the team’s attention is still squarely on cricket. “If we wish to perform well this tournament and in the future, we will have to close a lot of noise from elsewhere and take whatever is good for us,” he finished.
As India and Pakistan gear up for another high-pressure face-off, everyone’s eyes will be on whether the no-handshake rule is followed again and if India can continue their winning streak.
