NEW DELHI: The Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14 was overshadowed by the infamous handshake controversy. The spotlight was back again on Sunday during their Super Four clash in Dubai, as fans and media wondered whether India captain Suryakumar Yadav would shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss.This time, India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Suryakumar once again snubbed Agha, moving directly to Ravi Shastri, reigniting the handshake controversy. The skipper even shared an embrace with him. He also shook hands with match referee Andy Pycroft.The latter then walked back promptly after the toss, but not before having a few words with the Pakistan skipper.After the toss, Suryakumar said, “We are going to bowl first. It is a good pitch. Some dew came during our practice session last night. I am really looking forward to this game. Jasprit Bumrah comes back, Varun Chakaravarthy also comes back in for Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.” India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Jasprit Bumrah for Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy for Harshit Rana.Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, Suryakumar addressed the media during the pre-match press conference on Saturday, whereas Pakistan cancelled their pre-match conference for the game.During the presser, Suryakumar was indirectly asked whether India would continue their “no-handshake” stance. The reporter phrased the question cautiously: “In the last match against Pakistan, apart from the bat, India did well in the remaining aspects as well. In the next match, can we expect India to do the same as in the previous game?”Suryakumar sidestepped the query to avoid controversy, replying, “What other things are you talking about? You are talking about our performance with the ball? It is a good contest between bat and ball. The whole stadium is packed to the rafters. The best thing is to put your best foot forward and do the best for your country.”Speaking about the pressure of playing against Pakistan, he added that the team was well-prepared and not taking on unnecessary stress:“I feel our preparation has been really good leading into the tournament. We have also had three good games, so we are actually focusing on what we can do best,” the skipper said.
