India Eyes Asia Cup Showdown with Pakistan, Batting Coach Emphasizes Focus Amidst External Noise

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has said that the team is only focused on the ground and not on outside noise ahead of their clash against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. The two teams are set to lock horns on Sunday, September 14 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Ahead of the fixture, there have been discussions amongst fans around boycotting the high-voltage clash in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. However, Sitanshu Kotak has played down the outside knows reiterating the Indian government’s stance of playing against Pakistan only in multi-national sporting events.

"Once BCCI said they are aligned with government's decision, our focus was always on the match. It's India versus Pakistan, and it will be an interesting game. India versus Pakistan is always a competitive game. Players are focused on the ground and nothing else is on their minds," Kotak told PTI.

There’s a possibility that India and Pakistan could lock horns as many as three times in the Asia Cup 2025. After their group stage fixture on September 14, they’re likely to face off again on September 21 in the Super 4 stages and can also take on each other in the final.

Ahead of the fixture, both India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha have said that both teams will be at their aggressive best in the upcoming match.

"Aggression is always there on the field. Without aggression, you cannot play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow," Suryakumar Yadav said the captain’s press conference ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

"You don't need to say anything to anyone. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. The fast bowlers they always want to be aggressive, because that's what keeps them going. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as they keep it on the ground," Salman Agha added on the matter.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh said that India and Pakistan should not play bilateral cricket series until relations between the two countries improve. Meanwhile, ahead of the first fixture between the two teams, the tickets are yet to be sold out for the high-voltage clash.