India captain Suryakumar Yadav recently expressed on a lot of questions surrounding the Indian team environment and his own mind space ahead of the upcoming Super Fours fixture against the arch-rivals Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. India and Pakistan will take on each other for the second time in the continental tournament, as the Men in Blue emerged victorious in the first one.
Suryakumar emphasized on the need for players to block out any sort of distraction, rest adequately and focus on maintaining a clear mindset before returning to play on the field. He also remarked how it was tough to completely switch off from what social media was showing. Furthermore, the 35-year-old also explained that he has advised his India teammates to ‘shut out a lot of noise from outside’ and take in only the feedback that is good for them.
“Close your room, switch off your phone and go to sleep. I think that’s the best. See, it’s easy to say but sometimes it is difficult because you meet a lot of friends, you go out for dinner and you have a lot of players also around who like to see all these things. So, it’s very difficult but then it’s on you, what you want to listen to, what you want to have in your mind and go on and have a practice session or go on and have a play again,” stated Suryakumar, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“But I have been very clear with all the boys, I think it’s very important if you want to do well in this tournament and going forward, we will have to shut out a lot of noise from outside and take what is good for you. I am not saying shut the noise completely but take what is good for you and someone can give you good advice as well which can help you in the game, which can help you on the ground. I think that is very important for me and rest I feel everyone is good in a good space,” he added.
When asked about commenting on whether the non-handshake gesture would be taken forward, the Mumbai-born deflected the question by speaking more about the brand of cricket which the team will be hoping to play. He followed up on the same topic by trying to explain how proud and grateful he has always been to represent the nation at the highest level.
“There is a good contest of ball and bat. There is also a contest of good intensity. As I said in the last question, the stadium is full and you get the best crowd to support you. And it’s best to put your best foot forward for the country and enjoy the game. If you have seen, I always keep my eyes closed in the National Anthem. I keep thinking about it. I keep remembering it. I keep thanking God for giving me this opportunity to play as long as I can. I am very happy,” the Indian skipper concluded.
The all-important Super Four clash between India and Pakistan will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21.
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