Dubai, September 9 (HS): Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has underlined the importance of aggression on the field, calling it a non-negotiable ingredient for success in cricket. Speaking to the media ahead of India’s much-anticipated showdown with Pakistan on September 14, Yadav said, “Aggression is always present on the field, and without it, you simply can’t play this game. I am very excited for the contest.”

India will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, while Pakistan are set to face Oman at the same venue on Friday.

Responding to Yadav’s remarks, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha said that every player has his own way of expressing himself and should be allowed to do so freely. “There is no need to tell a player how to behave. If someone wants to show aggression on the field, it is welcome,” Agha remarked.

The India-Pakistan rivalry in the Asia Cup remains fresh after Pakistan’s thrilling five-wicket victory in the 2022 T20 edition, where all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz starred with a quickfire 42 off 20 balls and a wicket, earning the Player of the Match award.

India’s final group fixture in this year’s edition will be against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage scheduled from September 20 to 26, with the final set to be played in Dubai on September 28. If India top Group A, all their Super Four games will be staged in Dubai; if they finish second, one match will be hosted in Abu Dhabi while the others will be in Dubai.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar