During the crucial T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan in Colombo, India captain Suryakumar Yadav asked the media and supporters to “wait for 24 hours” and kept his handshake intentions under wraps.
In an attempt to qualify for the Super 8 from Group A, the Men in Blue will take on their bitter rivals on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan and India each get two points.
In remembrance of the people killed in the Pahalgam terror incident and as a show of support for the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor, Suryakumar Yadav initiated the practice of not shaking hands with Pakistani cricket players on a pitch during the Asia Cup in Dubai last year.
Since then, Indian cricket teams have stuck to their policy of not shaking hands with players of any gender or in juvenile cricket. Suryakumar kept everyone guessing with his clever response when asked if the Indian squad will stick to the position.
“Wait a full day. We will decide after a terrific game of cricket. Eat healthy and get enough sleep. Hold off for a full day. During the pre-game press conference on Saturday, Suryakumar informed the reporters. Salman Ali Agha, his Pakistani counterpart, had earlier in the day told reporters, “We will see about it tomorrow,” and he likewise remained ambivalent about the handshake problem.
The captain of Pakistan went on to say, “I anticipate the game to play in the spirit it has always carried since its birth.” Given the nature of India-Pakistan relations, it is anticipated that Sunday will follow the same routine.
Washington Sundar might make the starting lineup against Pakistan in the interim. Due to his recuperation from an injury, the Indian all-rounder joined the Indian squad late. Before joining the Indian team in Delhi for their match against Namibia, he received rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Given that the Colombo surface helps slow bowlers, Sundar’s extra batting skills may make him a better choice than Kuldeep Yadav. The India captain said, “Washington Sundar is ready and good to go.”
Suryakumar responded cheekily when asked about Abhishek Sharma’s fitness status and availability for the match against Pakistan. “If everyone wants Abhishek Sharma to play, we will,” Suryakumar stated. Prior to the match against Namibia, the Indian captain
