India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash: Will birthday boy Suryakumar Yadav rewrite history?

As the Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan looms at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14, all eyes will be on birthday boy and India captain Suryakumar Yadav. The clash carries extra heat not just due to the arch-rivalry but also amid nationwide protests against the BCCI’s decision to play Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. For Suryakumar, this is more than just another match; it’s a defining moment of his captaincy.

A Record That Raises Concerns

Suryakumar’s numbers against Pakistan are far from flattering. Across five T20I innings, he has managed just 64 runs at 12.80, with a best of 18. Even since taking charge in July 2024, his form has dipped, producing only 265 runs from 15 innings at an average below 19. While India remains unbeaten in series under his captaincy, his personal batting returns invite scrutiny.

The challenge intensifies as Pakistan’s pace spearhead Haris Rauf, who has dismissed Suryakumar twice recently, prepares to target him again.

Indian Captains’ Pakistan Puzzle

History doesn’t help either. In 13 T20Is between the two sides, only once has an Indian captain scored a fifty—Virat Kohli’s defiant knock in 2021. Even legends like MS Dhoni (93 runs in 6 innings) and Rohit Sharma (57 in 4 innings) struggled against the arch-rivals.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir's revised message on Indo-Pak game: Focus on cricket

Hope Amid Pressure

Despite the weight of history, Suryakumar has shown glimpses of his magic. He started this Asia Cup with a trademark six against UAE and was in scintillating touch during IPL 2025, amassing 717 runs at 65.18 for Mumbai Indians. With Sunil Gavaskar backing him to shine, the stage is set, Can Suryakumar gift himself and India the perfect birthday present?