If the build-up to the first India-Pakistan assembly on this Asia Cup was clouded by boycott calls from some sections in the wake of the Pahalgam terror assault, the aftermath has witnessed a stir over the refusal of handshakes. Amid all the unrest, for the cricketers to ignore the exterior noise and deal with this as simply one other sport is far simpler mentioned than carried out.
Ahead of the Super Four conflict between the arch-rivals, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did his greatest to not betray any stress about the prevailing ambiance. With his attribute wit and skill to make mild of issues intact, the 35-year-old defined how his gamers are coping with the commotion.
“Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep. I think that’s the best thing,” he informed the media. “It’s easy to say. But sometimes it is difficult because you meet a lot of friends, and you also have a lot of players who like to see all these things. But then it’s on you regarding what you want to have in your mind. I have been very clear with all the boys. If we want to do well in this tournament, we will have to shut out a lot of noise from outside. I’m not saying shut the noise completely, but take what is good for you.”
With India displaying whole dominance towards Pakistan of late, has the thrill of this rivalry shrunk?
“About an earlier time, I don’t know. I was not there,” he responded. “After going to the ground, the stadium is full and I tell my team that it’s time for entertainment. Let’s play a good brand of cricket. We don’t think about much else. We have played three games. It was as much fun to win the other games as it was to win this game.”
