To do well, we have to shut out a lot of the noise: Suryakumar

If the build-up to the first India-Pakistan meeting in this Asia Cup was clouded by boycott calls from some sections in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the aftermath has witnessed a stir over the refusal of handshakes. Amid all the unrest, for the cricketers to ignore the external noise and treat this as just another game is much easier said than done.

Ahead of the Super Four clash between the arch-rivals, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav did his best to not betray any tension about the prevailing atmosphere. With his characteristic wit and ability to make light of matters intact, the 35-year-old explained how his players are dealing with the commotion.

“Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep. I think that’s the best thing,” he told the media. “It’s easy to say. But sometimes it is difficult because you meet a lot of friends, and you also have a lot of players who like to see all these things. But then it’s on you regarding what you want to have in your mind. I have been very clear with all the boys. If we want to do well in this tournament, we will have to shut out a lot of noise from outside. I’m not saying shut the noise completely, but take what is good for you.”

With India displaying total dominance against Pakistan of late, has the thrill of this rivalry shrunk?

“About an earlier time, I don’t know. I was not there,” he responded. “After going to the ground, the stadium is full and I tell my team that it’s time for entertainment. Let’s play a good brand of cricket. We don’t think about much else. We have played three games. It was as much fun to win the other games as it was to win this game.”