Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
Ahead of India’s highly anticipated Asia Cup Super-Four match in Dubai against Pakistan, captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided mentioning Pakistan even once during a 12-minute press conference. The briefing came after last Sunday’s group-stage match, where India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, but the game was overshadowed by the handshake controversy. This controversy has made the upcoming match a focal point for fans, media, and political observers alike.
Suryakumar acknowledged the extra attention surrounding the fixture and stressed that the team’s priority is to concentrate on cricket rather than external controversies. He emphasized that players must stay focused amid distractions from social media, media reports, and public discussions.
Managing Pressure and Outside Noise
The Indian captain shared his strategy for maintaining mental focus during high-pressure situations. “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep,” he said with a chuckle. He explained that while it sounds simple, it is not always easy, especially when players meet friends, dine out, or interact with people who follow and comment on all aspects of their lives.
He added, “Going forward, we will have to shut out a lot of noise from outside. I have made that clear to the boys.” This statement underlines the importance of discipline and mental preparedness for a tournament where every game is closely watched by fans and critics alike.
Playing Down the Rivalry
When reporters asked whether India would continue with the same behavior as in the group-stage match against Pakistan, Suryakumar smiled and played down the idea of a rivalry. “I don’t know what rivalry you are talking about. When I go to the ground, I see a packed stadium, and I tell my team, ‘Chalo bhai log, entertainment ka time aa gaya hai,’” he said, highlighting the importance of focusing on the game itself rather than the political or social tensions surrounding it.
His approach shows that he wants his players to treat every match as an opportunity to perform, rather than as a high-stakes battle of national pride. The captain’s focus is on creating a positive environment that allows players to concentrate on their skills and strategy rather than external pressure.
Caution Against Complacency
Despite India’s strong victory over Pakistan in the group stage, Suryakumar warned against taking any match for granted. “It doesn’t give us an edge that we have played them once and had a good game. We will have to start well from scratch,” he said. His statement reflects a common mindset in competitive cricket: every match is unique, and past performance offers no guarantees.
Suryakumar’s caution comes after India was made to work hard against Oman in their final group-stage match. Although India eventually won comfortably, the challenges posed by Oman reminded the team that no match can be treated lightly, especially in a tournament with rising competition.
Rallying Support From Fans
The captain also appealed to fans to continue supporting the team during the Super-Four stage. “The country always supports us in every game. In this game, too, keep supporting us,” he said, reinforcing the strong connection between the team and its supporters.
Suryakumar’s message underscores the importance of fan support in boosting morale, particularly when matches carry heightened pressure due to historical rivalries, media attention, or previous controversies. His leadership style focuses on balancing performance, mental strength, and positive team spirit.
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