Is the India vs Pakistan Rivalry Over? Insights from Suryakumar Yadav
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Synopsis
In a recent interview, India's cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav questioned the idea of a rivalry between India and Pakistan, citing the overwhelming victories India has achieved. This article delves into his insights post the Asia Cup Super Four match, where he discusses key moments and players that shaped the game.
Key Takeaways
- India's dominance: India has achieved seven consecutive wins over Pakistan in men's cricket.
- Changing dynamics: Suryakumar Yadav believes the rivalry is no longer significant.
- Key players: Abhishek Sharma's performance was critical to India's success.
- Turning point: The first drinks break marked a shift in the game's momentum.
- Dedication pays off: Hard work and commitment in practice lead to success.
Dubai, Sep 22 (NationPress) Following India's significant six-wicket victory in the Asia Cup Super Four match against Pakistan, captain Suryakumar Yadav has rejected the idea that an India vs Pakistan matchup is still a rivalry, pointing out the recent lopsided results favoring India.
When asked if Pakistan had improved since their initial encounter, with 25 balls to spare, Suryakumar stated, "I believe we should stop questioning the [India-Pakistan] rivalry, whether a team plays good cricket or not."
It's important to note that India has now triumphed over Pakistan in seven consecutive games in men's internationals since their last defeat in the Asia Cup in 2022 in Dubai.
He elaborated, "In my opinion, if two teams are competing in 15-20 matches and the score is 7-all or someone is slightly ahead like 8-7, that’s when you can call it good cricket and a rivalry. But with stats like 13-0 or 10-1, I don't know what to say. This is no longer a rivalry."
Discussing the Super Four match, Suryakumar identified what he believed was the pivotal moment, stating, "For me, the turning point was during the first drinks break of the first innings."
"The players' body language shifted after that. The game typically changes after the powerplay, but today it transformed after ten overs, when the bowlers adjusted their lines and lengths, recognized what was needed, and displayed greater energy. The spinners performed excellently, and I believe Shivam Dube's spell was a critical turning point," he added.
In India’s chase of 172, young opener Abhishek Sharma delivered an impressive 74 runs off just 39 balls, marking the highest successful chase against Pakistan in T20Is.
Forming a remarkable opening partnership of 105 runs within the first 10 overs with Shubman Gill (47 off 28 balls), Abhishek remained unfazed by the loss of Suryakumar (zero) in the subsequent over, with the captain attributing his success to Abhishek's dedication off the field.
“He never skips practice. Even on days when he’s not inclined to bat, he’s always doing something to improve. That kind of commitment is always rewarded. I genuinely believe God has plans for those who keep striving like that," he remarked.
Point of View
I believe Suryakumar Yadav's comments reflect a significant shift in the competitive landscape of cricket. The historical rivalry between India and Pakistan has evolved, and India's recent dominance highlights their superior performance. However, in sports, rivalries can shift, and we should remain open to the dynamics of competition. It is crucial for fans to appreciate the game beyond rivalries and focus on sportsmanship and skill.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Suryakumar Yadav say about the rivalry?
Suryakumar Yadav stated that the India vs Pakistan rivalry is no longer relevant due to India's consistent victories, suggesting that a true rivalry should have a closer contest.
How many consecutive matches has India won against Pakistan?
India has won seven straight matches against Pakistan in men's internationals since their last loss in the Asia Cup in 2022.
What was the turning point in the recent match?
Yadav highlighted the first drinks break as the turning point, noting the change in players' body language and bowlers adjusting their strategies.
