Don’t mix politics and sport, they say. Yet an India-Pakistan cricket match has always carried undertones of the two nations’ fraught relationship, with bilateral tensions often spilling onto the field. On Sunday in Dubai, during the Asia Cup fixture, the shadow of strained ties in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack was clearly visible.
Indian cricketers are not known for being outspoken, usually limiting themselves to occasional posts on social media, albeit rarely on sensitive issues. However, on Sunday, Suryakumar Yadav and his men made significant calls that translated into powerful messages against the backdrop of a tense political climate.
Suryakumar led from the front in what was arguably the most important match of his captaincy career, guiding India to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. The captain rose to every challenge that came his way, making bold, game-changing on-field decisions, rotating his bowlers astutely, and getting the field placements spot on.
Later, he also broke his poor run against the arch-rivals, anchoring the chase with a match-winning unbeaten 47 off 37 balls to take India past the target of 128. It was a truly all-round performance from the India skipper, delivered on his birthday, and one of the most significant victories of his career in light of recent tensions between the two countries.
Yet while he carried out his duties on the field with near-perfection, it was Suryakumar’s actions and words that captured the headlines. Ahead of the tournament, the India captain had already stated that his side would not tone down their aggression in the high-voltage clash.
“Aggression is always there on the field. Without aggression, you cannot play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow,” Suryakumar Yadav said during the captain’s press conference ahead of the Asia Cup.
SURYAKUMAR SENDS A MESSAGE
On match day, Suryakumar’s aggression was not excessive but conveyed subtly through his actions. Playing against the arch-rivals, amid nationwide calls for a boycott of the fixture, the India captain made his stance clear by choosing not to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha.
It was a rare sight in cricket, with the customary handshake between the two captains skipped before the toss. Unwavering in his decision, Suryakumar went about his pre-match responsibilities without exchanging pleasantries with his counterpart.
Once the game began, India stamped their authority from the very first legal delivery, with the Pakistani batting line-up crumbling against a relentless bowling attack. In the second innings, Suryakumar led from the front with the bat, steering his side home with a match-winning knock.
