Suryakumar Yadav Issues Warning to Pakistan Ahead of Asia Cup Clash

Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav on Tuesday, in a very nonchalant way, warned Pakistan ahead of their much-anticipated Asia Cup clash to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14.India will start their campaign against the hosts UAE on Wednesday in Dubai, whereas Pakistan will lock horns with Oman at the same venue on Friday."Aggression is always there when we take the field," Suryakumar Yadav told reporters, while addressing whether the recent conflict between the two countries will see tempers run high during their match."Without aggression you can't play cricket. I am really excited to play cricket starting tomorrow," he added.Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha also echoed Surya's sentiments. Agha said: "Whoever wants to be aggressive they are most welcome as long as it stays on the field."Suryakumar Yadav has had an impressive track record as India’s full-time T20I captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the format following the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Under his leadership, India have won 17 out of 22 matches.The Asia Cup will be the first tournament under Surya's captaincy where India will play in a multi-national competition.When coaxed about the challenges and whether there will be a change in India's approach, the Indian captain said: "Abhi tak sab badhiya chal raha kyu bina matlab ka ungli karna hai (If something is working then why change)."On having part-time bowlers in their ranks, Surya said: "It's an added advantage. If your top-order batter gives you an extra over, that is always good for a captain. Someone who can roll their arm is also good."India will be playing their first T20I after a gap of seven months, but the Indian captain said the team has had a good outing."I think as a team we last played in January and February. The boys have played in the IPL. Yes, after June we haven't played much T20 cricket. We accept the challenge. Let's see how it goes."We are playing T20 games after a long time. We have had good times at the nets. We are looking to play some good cricket in the tournament," he said.Surya also downplayed the fact that India are clear favourites to win the tournament."It is a format where any team can have an impact," he said.