India National Cricket Team captain Suryakumar Yadav won hearts with his sportsmanship after his team’s 21-run victory over Oman in the final group match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Suryakumar Yadav took time after the match to encourage the Omani players and hailed their effort in a close contest on Friday, September 19.
Players from both teams shared smiles and clicked pictures together, showing true camaraderie on the field. The gesture was in stark contrast to India’s recent behavior towards Pakistan.
Suryakumar Yadav avoids Pakistan mention ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash
In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Suryakumar Yadav and the India National Cricket Team deliberately avoided any gesture towards Pakistan, stirring a huge controversy.
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Amidst the no-handshake controversy, Suryakumar clearly focused only on his own team and avoided discussing Pakistan altogether during the post-match presentation after the Oman game. The Indian captain categorically avoided taking Pakistan’s name ahead of their Super Four clash on Sunday.
Sanjay Manjrekar questioned at the post-match press conference, “All set for Sunday’s match against Pakistan?” To which, Suryakumar responded, “All set for Super 4.”
Suryakumar Yadav wins hearts with sportsmanship against Oman
Not just that, during his conversation with the Oman players, Suryakumar mocked Pakistan on camera for the way they have been playing cricket for the past couple of years.
Taking a dig at the Men in Green, Suryakumar motivated the young Oman team and encouraged them to take pride in their cricketing culture.
The Indian skipper praised Oman’s effort, attitude, and style of play, encouraging them to remember the level of cricket they brought to the match and to keep improving for future tournaments.
He also emphasized that the Omani team is ready for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 and urged them to carry forward the spirit and brand of cricket they displayed in the match against India.
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Suryakumar Yadav hails the Oman team, says they are ready for the World Cup Qualifier
Suryakumar Yadav said in a video posted by the BCCI on its social media handles, “You gave your best. Whether you win or lose, it will be decided by your attitude and culture. You guys gave your best. The result is right in front of you.”
As the reporter mentioned that this team is getting ready for the World Cup Qualifier, Suryakumar quickly jumped in by saying, “Sir, I want to correct you. This Oman team is ready for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026. They are ready.”
He signed off by saying, “The taste of the brand of cricket that you guys played—remember that taste. When you guys wake up tomorrow, remember the brand of cricket that you guys played. Remember this. And keep moving forward. I am telling you; they are ready. They are going to play. I am telling you, be ready.”
Meanwhile, Oman captain Jatinder Singh also opened up about the conversation his players had with the Indian captain after the match.
Jatinder said, “Surya spoke about the game and praised us, which means a lot. Our boys had questions on how to play in different phases of the T20 game. It was really nice to have a chat with him.”