India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was subjected to pointed queries by a Pakistani journalist at the post-match press conference following India’s nail-biting five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 final. The journalist alleged that Suryakumar had politicised the tournament by not accepting the trophy from ACC chief and Pakistan minister Mohsin Naqvi as proof of the intermingling of politics with cricket.
“Gussa Ho Rahe Ho”: SKY’s Lighthearted Response
Suryakumar Yadav and star opener Abhishek Sharma brushed aside the criticism. In response to the flurry of questions, SKY retorted, “Bolna hain ahi bolna hai? Gussa ho rahe ho aap. Sawaal pata nahi chala aapka, 4 questions ek saath puch liye aapne,” pointing out the reporter’s muddled wording and trying to defuse tension with wit. The lighthearted response was a viral sensation on social media, and many applauded Suryakumar for keeping calm under fire.
Mohsin Naqvi Trophy Row Marred Victory
The row was over India’s reluctance to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is both ACC chief and Pakistan minister. Following a delay in the presentation ceremony, Naqvi was said to have taken back the trophy and medals to his hotel. Suryakumar wasn’t shy in criticizing the act, saying, “This is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing and following cricket. That a champion team is denied to get a trophy, that too a hard-earned one. I feel we deserved it, and I can’t say anything more.”
Real Trophies Are in the Dressing Room
While highlighting the team’s success more than the protocol, Suryakumar pointed out that it is the time spent in the dressing room and the trophies that have been won through toil and perseverance that are the true rewards. “My trophies are resting in my dressing room, all the 14 guys with me, all the support staff, those are the real trophies,” he said, reiterating the assurance that India’s attention was on performance and not politics.
Composure Amid Pressure
Throughout the Asia Cup, Suryakumar led by example, displaying calmness under intense scrutiny, especially in high-pressure matches against Pakistan and other contenders. His post-match press conference reflected the same composure, managing to address sensitive questions with wit while defending the team’s principled stance.
India’s five-wicket win in Dubai not only ensured their ninth Asia Cup crown but also showcased the leadership abilities of Suryakumar Yadav. Be it carefully navigating the team on the field or dealing with media pressure off it, SKY’s presence was at the core of India’s success in an Asia Cup filled with both cricketing brilliance and off-field controversy.
