‘This Is Not a Rivalry Anymore’: Suryakumar Yadav After India’s Dominant Win Over Pakistan

Dubai — Indian batting star Suryakumar Yadav has dismissed the idea of a traditional India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry, following India’s commanding six-wicket win over their arch-rivals in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage. The match, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, marked India’s seventh consecutive win against Pakistan in men’s internationals since their last defeat in 2022.

In a post-match press conference, Suryakumar was blunt when asked about Pakistan’s performance and the long-discussed rivalry between the two sides.

“I feel that you should stop asking this question on the rivalry,” he said. “According to me, if two teams play 15–20 matches and it’s 7–7 or 8–7, then it’s a rivalry. But 13–0, 10–1… I don’t know what the stats are. But this is not a rivalry anymore.”

Suryakumar doubled down on his claim, emphasizing that India simply played better cricket.

India’s Winning Streak Continues

With the latest victory, India has now defeated Pakistan seven times in a row, continuing a dominant run in T20Is. The match once again showcased the gulf in consistency and execution between the two sides.

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Despite Pakistan’s promising start at 91 for 1 after 10 overs — their best first-half score against India in T20Is — the momentum shifted decisively after the first drinks break.

Suryakumar pinpointed this moment as the turning point of the match.

“After the first drinks break, people changed their body language. The bowlers adjusted their lengths, brought more energy, and the spinners took control.”

India’s bowlers restricted Pakistan to just 38 runs between overs 10 and 17, the lowest total by any team during that phase in this tournament.

With Jasprit Bumrah enduring an off day — conceding 45 runs in four overs without a wicket — all-rounder Shivam Dube stepped up with a career-defining bowling performance.

Bowling his full quota for just the third time in 38 T20Is, Dube took 2 for 33, including the key wickets of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who had anchored Pakistan’s innings with a well-made fifty.

“I think he has been working really hard on his bowling,” said Suryakumar. “He always wanted to bowl at least two overs. Today, he bowled his full quota, and the way he delivered showed he had very clear plans.”

Dube’s Bowling Overshadowed Bumrah’s Rare Off-Day

Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s most dependable pacers, had an uncharacteristic outing, especially during the powerplay, giving away 34 runs in his first three overs — his most expensive opening spell in T20Is.

Despite that, India’s bowlers regrouped effectively to limit Pakistan to a below-par total of 171.

India’s chase was powered by a scintillating 74 off 39 balls from Abhishek Sharma, and a rapid 47 off 28 from Shubman Gill, as they hunted down the target in emphatic fashion.

India reached the target with six wickets in hand, sealing another morale-boosting win over their traditional rivals.

India’s win not only strengthens their Asia Cup 2025 campaign but also raises serious questions about Pakistan’s T20I consistency. For India, the form of young players like Abhishek and Dube adds valuable depth to the squad ahead of bigger assignments.

While fans and media may continue to fuel the emotional intensity around India vs Pakistan matches, Suryakumar Yadav’s remarks suggest the balance of power is now firmly in India’s favor — at least for now.