Suryakumar Reacts To Social Media Noise After Pakistan Clash

India’s cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the swirling controversy surrounding his team’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan players after a dominant victory in their Asia Cup 2025 clash on Sunday. The match, the first between the arch-rivals since the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent cross-border tensions in May, saw India chase down Pakistan’s 128 in just 15.5 overs, with Yadav’s unbeaten 47, capped by a match-winning six, sealing the triumph.

Speaking to reporters post-match, Yadav tackled the social media storm urging India to boycott the game. “We had a team meeting in Dubai and decided to block out the outside noise,” he said. “Social media chatter doesn’t reach us because my team keeps me insulated from it. We focused on executing our skills on the field, and that’s what mattered.” He credited the enthusiastic crowd for boosting the team’s performance, adding, “The fans who came to cheer us made a huge difference.”

The match carried heavy emotional weight due to recent geopolitical tensions. After Yadav and Shivam Dube struck the winning runs, they headed straight to the dressing room, bypassing the customary handshake with Pakistan players—a move that sparked debate online. The Indian team shared embraces among themselves but offered none to their opponents, a gesture widely interpreted as a response to the Pahalgam attack, which claimed multiple lives.

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Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir later dedicated the victory to India’s armed forces and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. “This win is for our brave soldiers and the families who suffered in Pahalgam,” Yadav said, striking a somber yet resolute tone. Gambhir echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team’s commitment to honoring the nation’s sacrifices.

The decision to play the match had been contentious, with vocal calls on social media for India to withdraw in protest of Pakistan’s alleged role in the attack. However, the team’s leadership prioritized performance over politics. “Our job is to play cricket and represent India with pride,” Yadav said. “We leave external matters to others and focus on what we can control—our game.”

India’s clinical performance underscored their dominance, with disciplined bowling restricting Pakistan and a swift chase showcasing their batting prowess. The victory strengthens India’s position in the Asia Cup, but the handshake snub and Yadav’s comments have kept the spotlight on the intersection of sport and geopolitics. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether India’s approach sets a precedent for future encounters with Pakistan.

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