"Close your room, switch off your phone": Suryakumar Yadav drops bombshell before IND-PAK clash

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are set to take on Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21. Suryakumar spoke about how he manages the noise and pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan game, which left reporters in splits.

India avoided shaking hands with the Pakistan players before and after their clash. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also filed complaints against ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of failing to uphold the spirit of the game.

Close Your Room, Switch Off Your Phone, and Sleep - Suryakumar Yadav

Ahead of the India-Pakistan Super 4 clash, Suryakumar Yadav shared his approach to blocking out external pressure. He admitted that it isn’t always easy to ignore the noise, especially when players meet friends or go out for dinners.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"Close your room, switch off your phone, and sleep. I think that's the best. 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," said Suryakumar Yadav.

I Feel Everyone Is in a Good Space - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav emphasized that players should focus on useful advice while ignoring distractions. He stated that taking in constructive input helps performance. The Indian skipper added that the team is in a positive mindset ahead of the Pakistan clash.

"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 to play a game. 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 off a lot of noise from outside and take what is good for you."

"I'm not saying shut the noise completely, but take what is good for you. I mean someone can give you good advice as well, which can help you in the game, which can help you on the ground. So I think that is very important for me and the rest I feel everyone is in a good space," said Suryakumar.

India Secure 21-Run Victory Over Oman in Final Group Stage Match

Oman gave India a competitive challenge in their first-ever international meeting. Team India managed to post a total of 188/8 in the 20 overs after winning the toss. The Indian batting lineup struggled, with only Sanju Samson crossing the 50-run mark.

In response, skipper Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem added a 56-run opening partnership to lay a foundation for Oman. Kaleem and Hammad Mirza later added a 93-run partnership, keeping India under pressure despite their superior experience.

The Indian bowlers held their nerves in the final overs. Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Harshit Rana each picked up a wicket. The Men in Blue secured a 21-run victory and avoided a potential upset. India won all three matches, while Oman ended the campaign without a victory.

Also read: "Sam Konstas is a psycho, I hit him deliberately"- Yashasvi Jaiswal explodes