Suryakumar Yadav’s Childhood Coach Supports India’s Stand: ‘Why Would We Shake Hands With Them?’ | Cricket News

India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav leaves the field after win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (PTI)

Indian men’s cricket team captain Suryakumar Yadav’s childhood coach, Ashok Aswalkar, on Monday praised the team’s decision to refuse to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers after their Asia Cup match in Dubai.

India won the match by seven wickets, despite calls for a boycott on social media and criticism directed at the BCCI for agreeing to the match following the Pahalgam terror attack.

“We had to approach the game in a way that wouldn’t allow them to rise, and we made it clear yesterday that we are champions. The way our players tackled them — it was a big moment for us,” said Aswalkar.

Traditionally a high-profile contest, Sunday’s cricket match was subdued, with empty stands at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium reflecting the tense atmosphere.

On the field, India secured a decisive win, continuing their dominance over their rivals in the past decade, but the post-match scene was marred by controversy.

The Indian players collectively refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, demonstrating solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan lodged a formal complaint, labelling the act as “unsporting.”

No Handshakes

Aswalkar said it was a reaction to what had happened to their people.

“Our response had to be this way. They hold no value for us, so why would we shake hands with them? We didn’t come for pleasantries – we came to play the match, and that’s done,” he was quoted as saying to PTI.

Aswalkar emphasised that match-related decisions are made at the top level, and players have little to no say in the matter.

“Even if the players say they don’t want to play, decisions from the top must be followed. Players can’t do anything — they have to play. And they did, with ease. It didn’t feel like our players were under pressure.

“There was so much controversy — people saying not to play – but even then, our players performed well. Whatever message we wanted to send, we’ve sent it,” Aswalkar added.

He praised the team’s temperament and commended the young players, noting they knew how to approach the game, tackle challenges, and play with purpose.

“Yesterday, it didn’t seem like we were under pressure. In fact, the opponents looked rattled. Once we took two or three quick wickets, Surya and Tilak kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and doubles, and moved the match forward. From there, it became easy – we still had four overs remaining at the end,” he said.

The captain’s coach was full of praise, highlighting Suryakumar’s leadership across nearly twenty matches and how naturally it came to him.

“In yesterday’s match, he led the team brilliantly. The way he batted — it reminded me of how I taught him as a kid: play till the end, stay not out, and win the match. What I wanted from him, he delivered yesterday with his batting,” he added.

(With inputs from PTI)