Suryakumar Yadav Rubs Salt On Pakistan’s Wounds: “Stop Calling India vs Pakistan A Rivalry”

After leading India to yet another commanding win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4, captain Suryakumar Yadav made headlines—not just for the result, but for his sharp words at the post-match press conference. With a wry grin and a pointed message, he called on the cricket world to stop calling India vs Pakistan a “rivalry,” arguing that the gulf between the two teams has become too wide for that word to truly apply.

Suryakumar’s Direct Message: “Not A Rivalry Anymore”

Fielding a question from a senior Pakistani journalist about standards and the gap between the teams, Suryakumar was quick to set the record straight.

“Sir, my request is that we should now stop calling India vs Pakistan matches a rivalry.”

“A rivalry exists when it’s actually close—when two teams play 15 matches and the scoreline is 8–7, or something similar. Here, it’s 13–1 (or 12–3). There’s no contest.”

He said India has simply played better cricket, both with the bat and ball. “We were better than them (Pakistan), and also from a bowling point of view.”

The Numbers Support His Claim

Suryakumar’s claim is more than just bravado. Of the last 15 T20I meetings, India have won 12. India’s record over Pakistan in ICC competitions and recent white-ball contests is equally dominant. In the last 15 years, India has won 23 of 31 meetings across formats. The once-close fight is now, statistically, a one-sided show.

Pakistan’s Struggle For Parity

Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted after the match, “We have yet to play a perfect game in this event. After being 91 in 10 overs we lost our way, but still feel 171 was a challenging total.” He credited India’s openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, whose 105-run stand in just 9.5 overs took the game away.

“We need to play a perfect game, do well in all three departments,” Agha said, looking ahead to Pakistan’s next fixture.

Suryakumar Praises Indian Stars, Calls The Team “Fire And Ice”

Suryakumar heaped praise on his opening pair.

“The way the boys are stepping up in every game is making my job very easy… They complement each other really well (Abhishek and Gill). It’s like a fire and ice combination.”

He also noted that dropped catches are “part and parcel of the game,” keeping the mood light even after a few lapses in the field.

What This Means For The “Rivalry”

While India and Pakistan will always draw huge attention, Suryakumar’s words reflect the current reality: the intense, balanced rivalries of the past have faded, replaced by India’s consistency and control. The contests may still be box office, but right now, fans are witnessing a one-sided era in this historic fixture.