Suryakumar Yadav Dedicates Asia Cup Victory to Armed Forces

A Tribute to the Armed Forces

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the team's impressive seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday to the nation's armed forces. He expressed solidarity with the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

This statement followed his team's second consecutive win in the tournament. The match against their traditional rivals marked the first cricket encounter after the Pahalgam attack and India's 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist hideouts across the border.

In a post-match interview, Suryakumar remarked, 'I believe this is a great opportunity to express that we stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families, showing our solidarity.'

He added, 'The most important thing for me is that we want to dedicate today's victory to all our armed forces who have shown incredible courage. We hope they continue to inspire us, and whenever we get the chance, we will give them more reasons to smile on the field.'

Interestingly, Indian players did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the match, a customary gesture usually observed post-game. Both captains, Suryakumar and Pakistan's Salman Agha, also refrained from shaking hands during the toss.

Salman Agha did not attend the award ceremony either. Later, coach Mike Hesson explained to the media that the events following the match were the reason for his absence. Suryakumar also mentioned that this victory serves as a 'return gift' for his fellow countrymen on his birthday.

He stated, 'This win feels wonderful, and I consider it a great 'return gift' to India. I always strive to stay at the crease until the end, and I am happy to have finished the match today.'

Suryakumar noted that playing against Pakistan is similar to facing any other opponent. He said, 'We approach every opposing team with the same strategy. A few months ago, our team won the Champions Trophy with several spinners, and that's where it all began. I have great admiration for spinners.'

He expressed his joy in hitting the winning six for India, saying, 'I always aim to stay till the end and lead the team to victory. It was necessary today, and I am glad I remained at the crease until the end.'

Kuldeep Yadav, the wrist spinner, was named 'Player of the Match' for the second consecutive game. He commented, 'I didn't do anything different. I focused on executing the strategy. I was just bowling according to the batsman. I still need to work on my bowling and will continue to strive for improvement match by match.'