NEW DELHI: India may have registered a convincing six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 match, but there were several moments that could have swung the game in Pakistan's favour. India's fielding was far from impressive, with Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav combining to drop four catches.
But Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav's ability to handle every question in press conferences with ease sets him apart. He showed no hesitation in admitting the mistake and had everyone bursting into laughter with his hilarious response.
"Acha bhi puch lo (Ask some positive query as well). It's okay. I think fielding coach has already emailed the boys to visit the office tomorrow and day after - all those guys who had butter fingers," he quipped.
Suryakumar, however, was quick to put the issue in perspective. He emphasised that dropped catches are part of the game and insisted it was better they happened early in the Super Four stage. "It's good that it happened in the first game. Going ahead we have to play more crucial games, but it's okay. It happens," he added.
Suryakumar has also urged everyone to stop calling the contests against Pakistan a meaningful "rivalry" given how his team has dominated the arch-foes.
India and Pakistan have faced each other 15 times in T20 Internationals, with the reigning world champions winning 12 of those encounters.
After the comprehensive win on Sunday night, the proverbial question on the gulf between the two teams was thrown at Suryakumar by a senior Pakistani journalist.
"Sir, my request is that we should now stop calling India vs Pakistan matches a rivalry," Suryakumar responded with a smile.
