In a refreshing display of humility and realism, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha jointly dismissed the notion of India being the “outright favourite” for the Asia Cup 2025. Their remarks came during the all-captains press conference held in Dubai on September 9, ahead of the tournament’s opening clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
Despite India’s dominant record—eight Asia Cup titles, reigning T20 World Cup champions, and the current No.1 ranked T20I side—both captains emphasized the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the need to stay grounded. The viral moment came when a journalist asked Suryakumar about India’s perceived superiority. With a smile, he replied, “Kisne bola? Maine toh nahi suna,” instantly striking a chord with fans and fellow players alike.
🧭 Timeline of Asia Cup 2025 Build-Up and Press Conference Highlights
| Date | Event Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 8, 2025 | Teams arrive in UAE for Asia Cup | Practice sessions begin |
| Sept 9, 2025 | Captains’ press conference held in Dubai | Viral quotes from India and Pakistan skippers |
| Sept 10, 2025 | Tournament opener: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | India to play UAE on Sept 11 |
| Sept 14, 2025 | India vs Pakistan group stage clash | High-voltage encounter expected |
The press conference featured captains from all eight participating nations, setting the tone for a competitive tournament.
🔍 Key Quotes from Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha
| Player | Quote | Context / Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | “Kisne bola? Maine toh nahi suna.” | Dismisses India’s favourite tag |
| Suryakumar Yadav | “We’ve had good practice sessions. Looking forward.” | Focus on preparation over reputation |
| Salman Ali Agha | “In T20s, I don’t think anyone is favourite.” | Highlights format’s unpredictability |
| Salman Ali Agha | “In one or two overs, the game can change.” | Emphasizes volatility of T20 cricket |
Both captains stressed the importance of execution over expectation, especially in a format where momentum can shift rapidly.
📉 India vs Pakistan: Head-to-Head in Asia Cup (T20 Format)
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Mirpur | India | 5 wickets | Virat Kohli |
| 2022 | Dubai | India | 5 wickets | Hardik Pandya |
| 2022 (Super 4) | Dubai | Pakistan | 5 wickets | Mohammad Rizwan |
| 2023 | Colombo | India | 7 wickets | Jasprit Bumrah |
India leads the T20 Asia Cup head-to-head 3–1, but recent encounters have been closely contested.
🔥 Why India’s Favourite Tag Is Being Questioned
- Lack of Recent Match Practice: India’s last T20I series was in January 2025 against England. The squad hasn’t played together since.
- Team Transition: With Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain, the team is undergoing leadership changes.
- Unpredictable Format: T20 cricket is known for upsets and last-over thrillers, making pre-tournament predictions unreliable.
- Pakistan’s Form: Pakistan enters the Asia Cup after winning a tri-series against UAE and Afghanistan, boosting their confidence.
The favourite tag, while statistically justified, doesn’t guarantee success in a format where one over can flip the script.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Asia Cup 2025 Dynamics
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Cricket Analyst | “India’s depth is unmatched, but T20s are about execution, not reputation.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Sports Strategist | “Suryakumar’s humility is refreshing and sets the tone for a grounded campaign.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Indo-Pak Cricket | “This rivalry transcends rankings—it’s about temperament and pressure handling.” |
Experts agree that while India may be statistically superior, the Asia Cup will test mental resilience and adaptability.
📦 India’s Squad Overview for Asia Cup 2025
| Player Name | Role | Recent Form / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | Captain, Batter | IPL 2025: 512 runs @ SR 178 |
| Shubman Gill | Vice-Captain, Opener | Consistent across formats |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder | Injury return, key for balance |
| Axar Patel | Spin All-rounder | Crucial in middle overs |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper Batter | Selected over Sanju Samson |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler | Death overs specialist |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner | Benched for UAE match, expected vs Pakistan |
India’s squad blends youth and experience, with tactical flexibility across departments.
📅 Key Fixtures for India in Asia Cup 2025
| Match Date | Opponent | Venue | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 11, 2025 | UAE | Dubai International Stadium | Tournament opener for India |
| Sept 14, 2025 | Pakistan | Dubai International Stadium | High-stakes rivalry clash |
| Sept 18, 2025 | Oman | Abu Dhabi Stadium | Final group match |
India’s performance in the group stage will determine their path to the Super Four and potential final.
📌 Conclusion
As the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off, India and Pakistan’s captains have jointly buried the “favourite” narrative, reminding fans and pundits that T20 cricket is a format of surprises. Suryakumar Yadav’s “Kisne bola?” response and Salman Ali Agha’s emphasis on unpredictability reflect a shared understanding: reputations don’t win matches—performances do. With high-octane fixtures ahead, the tournament promises drama, intensity, and moments that defy expectations.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available press conference transcripts, match records, and expert commentary as of September 10, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute betting or selection advice.
