Suryakumar Yadav shamelessly accepts defeat vs Pakistan but vows to sledge them

Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav opened up about his team being treated as the favourites in the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 9. Suryakumar stated that the team is eager to get started in the tournament despite not playing the shortest international format for a long time.

The Asia Cup will begin on Tuesday with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in the opening clash. India are set to begin their campaign against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, September 10. Ahead of the action, skippers from all eight competing nations gathered for a joint press conference.

We Are Playing After a Long Time - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav was asked whether India are the favourites in the Asia Cup 2025. The captain noted that while the team is returning to the format after a gap, they have had quality practice sessions.

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"Kisne bola? Maine toh nahi suna (Who said this? I didn't hear anything of this sort)," Surya said with a smile. "We are playing this format for a long time. If your preparations are good, you enter the field with a lot of confidence."

"Yes, we are playing after a long time. But we landed here three to four days back. We have had some good practice sessions. So we are really looking forward to this tournament."

Aggression Is Always There When We Take the Field - Suryakumar Yadav

India will face Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This will be their first on-field meeting since tensions rose between the two nations following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam earlier this year.

Suryakumar Yadav said that his side will approach the contest with intensity. He added that aggression is a natural part of their game and expressed his eagerness to step onto the field.

“Aggression is always there when we take the field. Without aggression, I don’t think you can play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow," Suryakumar said.

We Haven't Played Any Cricket Together Since June - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav stated that India have not played T20Is since February but noted that the squad’s preparations haven’t suffered. He added that the players are ready to express themselves in the Asia Cup.

"Yes, as a team, we played a T20I series in January and February. The boys also played the IPL. But yeah, we haven't played any cricket together since June. So, let's see what happens tomorrow," Suryakumar stated.

Team India regrouped in the UAE at the start of September. The squad has been training at the ICC Academy to prepare for the Asia Cup 2025. Their opening group match against the UAE will also be their first white-ball appearance since the Champions Trophy final in March.

India enter the 2025 Asia Cup as the reigning champions. They will aim to secure their ninth title in the competition. A victory would also be their second triumph in the tournament’s T20 format.

Also read: Asia Cup Commentary Panel announced; Virat Kohli's favorite IN, Babar Azam's favorite OUT