India Captain Advises Team to Ignore External Pressure Ahead Asia Cup Pakistan Rematch

India's cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav has urged his team to mentally block out external pressures ahead of their Asia Cup rematch against Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of focus amid political tensions and controversy from their previous match. Following India's initial win, criticism arose due to players refusing to shake hands and dedicating the victory to the Indian armed forces, with Pakistan even considering withdrawal over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct. Suryakumar advised his teammates to "close your room, switch off your phone and sleep," highlighting the need to selectively absorb information and maintain mental clarity. Despite the previous result, he stressed that the team must treat the upcoming game as a fresh start, concentrating on their preparation and good habits. The captain acknowledged the difficulty of avoiding distractions but insisted that shutting out external noise is crucial for success. Both teams are aiming for a spot in the Asia Cup final, making the rematch especially significant.