'Our flight to Colombo is booked, we're going' - Suryakumar Yadav on Pakistan game

Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha may be at the two ends of the spectrum - one's country has decided to boycott a game against the other's taking the historic rivalry to different direction - but the India and Pakistan skippers largely exuded similar emotions about the uncertain February 15 clash between the arch-rivals.

"Their decision is not in my control. I wish I could take that decision," Suryakumar Yadav said. "It's their call. We have been told that we have to play a game on the 15th. We played them three times in the Asia Cup at a neutral venue. We played some good cricket, we won and we were very happy. If we get an opportunity, we will definitely play them.

"It is not an easy job (for the ICC). I am sure they must be working out something. If it has come from the other government or nation, how can they help as well. It is a difficult call and it is a difficult situation too. If we are told that the fixture is ready, we will definitely go and play."

Speaking on the subject a couple of thousand kilometers away in Colombo, Pakistan skipper echoed a similar view. "It's not in our control. It's a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we do that. And then, yeah, we're playing three other games, and we are very excited for that."

But the India skipper made it clear that the team will travel for the fixture which, otherwise, would have been the blue riband game of the February 7-March 8 event. "We didn't refuse to play. We agreed (to play). The ICC has given the fixture, and the BCCI and the government decided on a neutral venue. Our flight to Colombo is booked, and we're going. We'll take care of the rest."

The rivalry between the two countries has taken a new turn since last year's Asia Cup, marked by Indian players' refusal to shake hands or exchange pleasantries. Suryakumar recalled that he was pleased with India's recent results against Pakistan. "We played them three times in the Asia Cup, we played some good cricket. We won (all the matches) and we were very happy.

"Similarly, if we get an opportunity in Colombo, we will definitely play. The discussion in the team is (also) clear. First, we will play the match on the 7th. Then we will go to New Delhi (for the match against Namibia on February 10) and after that we will go to Colombo."

During the Captain's Day event ahead of the World Cup, the India skipper emphasised on the team's preparation and recent form undermining the pressure of expectations from the home crowd. "The way we have been playing, it looks like that (that they are the favourites). But you have to bring your A game on. There are definitely good 19 teams in the competition, and I am sure every game will be important."

The India skipper also addressed the dew factor that could potentially derail the chances of an important match, something even MS Dhoni has recently said he dreads. "We should eliminate this factor from the game. Dew is not in our control. You expect and there may also not be any dew. We will focus on what's in our control. We have played matches in dew and we have some idea on how to cope with it."

Washington Sundar almost ready

Suryakumar also confirmed a Cricbuzz report that team management and selectors are willing to wait on Washington Sundar to be ready rather than seeking a hasty replacement.

"Tilak Varma got a break, he did not play the New Zealand series. When he came back he was a different player. We are hoping about Washington also the same way. We spoke to him, he is doing really well. He is almost there. We want him to be fully fit when he comes back," Suryakumar said, reflecting on Sundar's participation in the World Cup. "We have to be patient with good players."

On Indian mentality

Suryakumar shifted the focus to India's mentality and approach when asked about the Australian style of play that one is accustomed to in the game. "Indian mentality," he said. "We have been playing a good brand of cricket and have changed our style lately. Earlier, we used to approach bilateral series and ICC tournaments differently.

Now, we approach all matches the same way. When we played the World Cup in 2024, it was not very different for us, as we had been playing the same style of cricket throughout the year. Similarly, we will try to adopt the same style we have been playing over the last year in this World Cup as well."