Suryakumar Yadav promises 1.4 billion Indians a ‘fantastic Sunday’ vs Pakistan

TimesofIndia.com in Abu Dhabi: In Suryakumar Yadav's 12-minute press conference, six questions were asked about the India-Pakistan match scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Interestingly, throughout this period, the Indian captain didn’t take the name of the opponents even once. But he did promise the 1.4 billion Indians that they would have a great Sunday.

This will be India’s second match against Pakistan in a week. In their last outing, on September 14, India registered a thumping seven-wicket win.




However, that match won’t be remembered for Kuldeep Yadav’s exceptional bowling performance or captain Suryakumar Yadav’s sumptuous knock, but for the “handshake drama.”

Surya, high on nationalistic fervour, credited the team’s exceptional preparation for the comprehensive win over Pakistan.

"I feel our preparations have been really good leading into this tournament. We had three good games. We are actually focusing on what we can do to get the best possible result. We want to follow all the good habits which we have been doing in the last two-three games. And we will take one game at a time," a beaming Surya told reporters.

"It doesn’t give us an edge that we have played them once, we had a good game. We will have to start from scratch and whoever plays well will win the game," he added.

The Indian captain once again urged his players to cut out the outside noise before the big match against Pakistan, and this time he went a step further and suggested how they can do it. "Go to your room. Shut your phone and sleep," he said.

"Hum log itna kuch sochte nahi hai teen game khele hum abhi teeno game jeetne mein utna hi maza aaya. Aaj bhi utna hi maza aaya jitna iske pehle waale game (Pakistan) mein maza aaya tha (We don’t think that much. We’ve played three games now, and winning all three has been equally enjoyable. This one [vs Oman] was just as much fun as the previous game against Pakistan)," he said.

The Indian captain, without mentioning the handshake drama that unfolded last Sunday, explained why he loves playing against arch-rivals Pakistan.

"Bat aur ball ka acha contest tha pichle match mein (It was a good contest between bat and ball in the last match)," he laughed.

"Pura stadium bhara hota hai, best crowd hota hai (The stadium is always full, the crowd is the best)," he said on playing Pakistan.

The Indian captain also addressed the social media trolling before the last match against Pakistan. However, the trolling on social media soon turned into happiness.

"Jeete na isiliye khushi manaya (We won, that’s why everyone was happy)," he said.

"I feel we always get our country’s support. We get support in every game we play."

Surya then promised the 1.4 billion Indians back home that they would have a "fantastic Sunday."

"It is Sunday, more people will watch the match. They should just sit and enjoy the game. We will go to the ground, we will play with the same intensity, same energy. We try to bring our A game as always," he said.


When asked whether the match against Pakistan was the best match he has been part of, the Indian captain replied: "The best match for me was when I played for India.

"All the matches I have played for India have always been a proud moment for me. Every time I step out wearing the team’s jersey, I am always excited. I am always proud to be part of this team.

"Aapne dekha hoga ki national anthem mein main apni aankh band kar leta hoon (You must have noticed that I close my eyes during the national anthem). I keep thinking about the match and I am always grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to play for my country as long as I can," he said.

Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here