Surya Kumar Yadav Says Pakistan vs India Rivalry No Longer Exists
Indian captain Surya Kumar Yadav has dismissed the long-debated notion of a cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan, saying recent results clearly show India’s dominance in head-to-head encounters.
Speaking at a post-match press conference after India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, Yadav said the numbers speak for themselves. “If two teams are playing 15–20 games and the scoreline is 7–7 or 8–7, that’s what you call a rivalry. But if it’s 10–1 or 13–0—I don’t know the exact numbers—then this can’t really be called a rivalry anymore,” he remarked, urging fans and journalists to move past the rivalry narrative.
While admitting India made fielding errors in the match, the skipper stressed that the team is focused on bigger challenges ahead in the tournament. In a lighthearted jab at his teammates, Yadav said: “I think the fielding coach has already emailed the boys to visit the office tomorrow and day after—all those guys who had butter fingers.”
On the playing conditions, Yadav noted that the Dubai pitch has become easier to bat on since September 14, which influenced his decision to field first. He identified the turning point of the match as coming after the 10th over, when Indian bowlers delivered a decisive spell that broke Pakistan’s momentum.
In the end, India successfully chased down Pakistan’s target of 172 in the 19th over, finishing at 176 for four. The victory further solidified India’s dominant record against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and T20 cricket.
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