‘Kyu bina matlab ka ungli karna hai?’ – Suryakumar backs winning formula as India eye Asia Cup title defense

Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav responded with humour when comparisons were drawn between captaining in a multi-nation tournament and in a bilateral series. The Mumbai-born is set to lead the Men in Blue in the Asia Cup 2025, the team’s first major assignment in the shorter-format since he took over from Rohit Sharma following the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar indicated that he saw no reason to alter a winning formula, suggesting that the processes implemented during bilateral contests were expected to deliver in high-profile tournaments as well. He also expressed surprise at India being described as the runaway favourites for the competition. His record as India’s full-time T20I captain has been noted as impressive, with only two defeats in 15 matches under his leadership.

“Till now everything is going alright sir, toh kyu bina matlab ka ungli karna hai? (Why unnecessarily muddle?) We will continue to do and follow the same things we have done in all of the bilaterals so far. If some things are working, that means we are moving in the right direction,” Suryakumar said during the press conference ahead of Asia Cup 2025.

“Who told you this? I did not hear this. Yes, we are playing T20 cricket as a team after quite some time, but we were here early,” he added.

Will Sanju Samson play?

The right-handed batter was also asked about the possibility of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson featuring in the playing XI for the upcoming contest. He responded with a laugh before offering an assuring reply. Samson’s selection has remained a major talking point since the squad announcement, which also confirmed Shubman Gill’s return and appointment as vice-captain of the 20-over team.

“I’ll text you the playing XI. We are actually taking good care of him. Don’t worry, we will make the right decision tomorrow,” Suryakumar said.

India enter the Asia Cup 2025 as the defending champions, having secured the title in 2023. The team will aim for a record-extending ninth crown, which would also mark their second triumph in the tournament’s T20 format. Their campaign is set to begin against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 10.

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