Indian star batter Suryakumar Yadav has downplayed the idea of an India vs Pakistan rivalry after yet another convincing win over the arch-rivals on Sunday.
Speaking after India’s seventh consecutive victory against Pakistan in men’s internationals, he insisted the contest no longer qualifies as a true rivalry. They last lost to them at the Asia Cup in 2022 in Dubai.
'This isn't rivalry anymore,' says Suryakumar
Responding to a question on Pakistan’s performance, Suryakumar brushed aside the long-standing narrative of rivalry between the two sides.
"I feel that you should stop asking this question on the rivalry," he said, before being reminded that the query wasn’t about rivalry at all. Still, he doubled down:
"According to me, if two teams play 15-20 matches and if [head-to-head] it is 7-7 or 8-7, then that is called a rivalry. But 13-0, 10-1….I don't know what the stats are. But this is not a rivalry anymore. But yeah, I feel we played better cricket than them."
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India’s latest win stretched their streak to seven straight victories against Pakistan since their last defeat in the 2022 Asia Cup in Dubai.
Turning Point: Drinks Break at 10 Overs
Suryakumar also revealed what he felt shifted the momentum of the game. Pakistan had reached 91 for 1 after 10 overs — their best half-time score against India in T20Is.
"According to me, the turning point was in the first drinks in the first innings," he explained. "After that, people changed their body language. You always see the game changes generally after the powerplay… when the bowlers changed their line and lengths, understood what was needed in that situation, and showed a little more energy. The spinners bowled well. And according to me, Shivam Dube's spell, you can say that it was a turning point."
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The spinners tightened control after the break, restricting Pakistan to just 38 runs between overs 10 and 17 — the lowest tally for any team in that phase at this tournament.
Shivam Dube steps up with ball
One of the standout performances came from Shivam Dube, who bowled his full quota of overs for only the third time in his 38-match T20I career. Dube picked up 2 for 33, removing Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, the latter dismissed after a half-century that anchored Pakistan’s innings.
Dube’s breakthroughs proved especially crucial given Jasprit Bumrah’s uncharacteristic off-day. Bumrah conceded 45 runs in his four overs without a wicket, including 34 from his first three overs — his most expensive powerplay spell to date.
Suryakumar Praises Dube’s Preparation
Suryakumar lauded Dube’s commitment in practice and said his spell was the result of hard work.
"I think he has been working really hard on his bowling in all the practice sessions," he said. "He always wanted to bowl at least two overs. And today he got to bowl his quota of overs, so he was very happy. And the way he delivered, I think he had very clear plans."
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The batter also highlighted how Dube routinely bowls to top-order batters in the nets, often with the new ball, ensuring he remains ready for opportunities like this.
On Sunday night, Abhishek Sharma's whirlwind 39-ball 74 and Shubman Gill's brilliant 28-ball 47 powered India to a six-wicket victory against Pakistan in the 14th match of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India had elected to bowl first after winning the toss.
