Suryakumar’s Birthday Press Talk After India Beat Pakistan
India’s seven-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai brought joy for birthday boy Suryakumar Yadav. Fielding questions at the press conference, he joked about his cake but also gave deep insights into India’s cricketing plans and strategies.
Spinners Deliver Birthday Gift
Suryakumar played a vital role with an unbeaten 47 runs to guide India while chasing 128. However, he shifted all credit to the spinners for setting up the win. Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy shared six wickets for 60 runs in 12 overs, restricting Pakistan to 127 for 9.
“I gave all of them 12 overs combined – it was a return gift from me,” Suryakumar joked when asked if India’s spin trio had given him the perfect birthday gift.
He highlighted how the spinners’ preparation and clarity made his job easier on the field. “They’re all working hard; you can see it at practice. They want to prepare really well,” he said. “It makes my job very easy when I’m on the ground. They’re happy with fields, [and] happy with ends they’re bowling from. It’s good to see all three spinners firing, very well supported by Hardik [Pandya] and Jasprit Bumrah.”
Bumrah as Attacking Option
Suryakumar also shed light on how India used Jasprit Bumrah as an attacking option in the powerplay. “Till today, we’ve bowled him two overs in the powerplay, he’s never bowled three in the powerplay,” he said. “We’re very happy using him as an attacking option. If he picks two wickets, even if he bowls a tight spell of his overs, later on we can have a good cushion for all the spinners.”
He added that Bumrah is satisfied with the plan, while bowlers like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also step up when needed.
Suryakumar on Batting and Flexibility
The right-hander admitted it felt good to finally score against Pakistan after managing just 64 runs in five previous T20I innings against them. “Whichever team you play, there’s pressure. If there’s no pressure, no butterflies in your stomach, you won’t have fun,” he said.
Suryakumar further emphasized India’s flexible batting approach. “Apart from openers, all other batters will be flexible, got to prepare in such a way where you can bat anywhere,” he explained. “If you play seven batters, it’s important for everyone to make a small impact. Everyone has accepted it. Everyone is flexible. If you are flexible to bat anywhere, the team becomes even more dangerous.”
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