Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has backed his team to continue playing with an aggressive approach in the upcoming Asia Cup. India will take on the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in Group A of the continental tournament.
The Men in Blue will face Pakistan for the first time after political tensions with their neighbours rose in May following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. India has savored success in T20Is, and they will enter the competition as red-hot favorites.
“Aggression is always there when we take the field. Without aggression, I don’t think you can play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow,” Suryakumar said during a captains’ meet ahead of the tournament opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha concurred with SKY’s comments and said he would back his players to play aggressively.
“You don’t need to say anything to any player. Everyone is individually very different. If somebody wants to be aggressive in the field, they are more than welcome to do that. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive and you can’t stop them. That’s what keeps them going. From my side, there’s no instruction to anyone – as long as it stays on the field,” Agha said.
Meanwhile, the Indian captain said his side is in good stead after extensive practice sessions.
“We have got few practice sessions. Feels good. It will be a good challenge playing best teams from Asia Cup,” he said.
India will start their campaign against the underdogs UAE, a team coached by Lalchand Rajput, but SKY said they won’t be complacent against the hosts.
“They are playing an exciting brand of cricket and came close in some of the games in a recent tri-series. Hope they cross the line in the Asia Cup,” he said.
India will take on UAE on Wednesday in Dubai.
