Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has expressed confidence in his team’s preparations ahead of the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash in the Asia Cup Super Four stage.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Dubai on Saturday, Yadav said the squad was focused on performing well and entertaining fans.
Team prep, focus
Yadav highlighted that India has played three good matches in the tournament so far and the players are determined to carry that momentum forward. “I think our preparation for the tournament is very good. Our focus is on what we can do well, and we will try to win the match,” he said.
Also Read: Asia Cup: Pakistan admit batting failures ahead of clash with India
He stressed that the team’s approach has been consistent and that they aim to replicate their earlier performances in Sunday’s game.
Handling off-field hype
The Indian captain was asked how the team manages the intense hype surrounding a Pakistan-India clash. Laughing, Yadav replied, “Shut up the room, turn off the mobile, and sleep.”
Also Read: Pakistan need to perform well against 'big' teams: Afridi
He admitted that it’s easier said than done as players often go out for dinner and interact with people. “All this is very difficult, but we try not to listen to the outside noise. Still, we don’t ignore everything -- we also take in the positive things and tips that can help us on the ground,” he explained.
Entertaining fans
Yadav said he encourages his team to see packed stadiums as an opportunity to entertain, adding he did not know about the Pakistan-India rivalry. “When the ground is full during the match, I tell the team that it’s time for entertainment. When so many people come to watch, you have to entertain them by playing good cricket,” he said.
Also Read: Pak-Ind Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash tickets: Details here
He also reflected on his debut for India, calling it the “best match” of his career, and emphasized that every game is about enjoying the challenge.
Conditions and game plan
On playing conditions, Yadav said both innings have been similar, with no major differences. He insisted that India would stick to the same style of cricket that brought them three consecutive wins in the tournament.
“The Pakistan-India match is on Sunday. People should watch and enjoy it as much as possible. When we go to the ground, we will try to play the same way we played before,” he added.
