New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav received a wave of admiration on social media following his heartfelt tribute to the nation’s armed forces after his team’s seven-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. Fans celebrated the captain for dedicating the win to the armed forces and the families impacted by the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

“We stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today’s win to the armed forces,” Suryakumar stated after leading India to victory with an impressive unbeaten 47 on his 35th birthday. His emotional message during the presentation ceremony quickly gained traction online.

Supporters shared clips of his speech on various social platforms, labeling it “a captain’s true knock off the field.” Many commended his maturity and timing, noting how he transformed a tense India-Pakistan match into a moment of national unity.

The backdrop of the tribute was particularly meaningful. The Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, left the nation grieving, prompting India’s military to initiate Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror networks across the border. In this context, Suryakumar’s words were perceived as a gesture of solidarity and morale support.

For Indian fans, the seven-wicket victory was gratifying, but the captain’s post-match acknowledgment ensured that the evening celebrated not just cricket but also the armed forces.

Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav led the Indian team in avoiding handshakes with the Pakistani players following the match. Once the game concluded, Indian batsmen Suryakumar and Shivam Dube walked off the field without engaging in the usual post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts.

The Pakistani players reciprocated this sentiment, leaving the contest without the traditional display of sportsmanship. Pakistan captain Salman Agha also skipped the customary presentation ceremony, omitting his views on the match.