IIn the past 15 T20 interactions between the two sides, Pakistan has managed to emerge victorious just three times while all others have headed India’s way. With such disparity, it is fair to ask oneself: Is this even a rivalry? This is exactly what captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed following the Super Four encounter where his team chased down 172 runs with six wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. He said: “This is no longer a rivalry. We have simply played better cricket than them.” His words quickly became the headline across Spinmatch updates and every major cricket portal.
Why Suryakumar Yadav Called It “No Rivalry Anymore”
After the victory, Suryakumar was blunt when asked about the “rivalry” tag. He said:
“If two teams play 15–20 matches and the record is 7–7 or 8–7, then you call it a rivalry. But 13-0, 10-1—I don’t know the stats, but this is not a rivalry anymore.”
This honesty struck a chord. A rivalry thrives only when competition is balanced. With India dominating nearly every contest in recent years, the “arch-rival” tag is more hype than reality.
Abhishek Sharma’s Rise and What Makes Him Special
While headlines were grabbed by Suryakumar’s statement, another big talking point was Abhishek Sharma’s performance. He opened alongside Shubman Gill and looked fearless. His skipper highlighted:
“He’s very selfless with his batting. After the power play, he still bats the same way but reads situations smartly. The best part? He never misses practice sessions.”
That commitment makes him stand out. From analyzing bowlers to adjusting his approach, Abhishek is building the temperament required for bigger stages. His consistency has been a major asset, something Spinmatch latest news has followed closely this season.
Shubman Gill’s Role Against Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
Facing Shaheen Afridi is no easy task, but Shubman Gill looked composed. His calculated stroke play kept pressure on Pakistan’s bowling unit. Yadav praised him, saying:
“Everyone knows what he brings to the table. He knows how to score runs, and he backed his shots at risk. That’s the sign of a very good batter.”
Gill’s adaptability was key. While Abhishek attacked, Gill rotated the strike, ensuring the flow never broke. Their century partnership was the turning point of the match.
Fielding Concerns and Team Bonding
One area of concern has been the high drop percentage at this venue. Suryakumar acknowledged it openly:
“It’s part of the game. If the catches have gone, they have gone. We go back, practice, and return stronger.”
But he also highlighted the off-field friendship between the openers:
“Sometimes you don’t have to say anything. A look is enough to run that cheeky single. That bond makes batting together easy.”
This chemistry is proving crucial in high-pressure games.
Bowling Plans That Worked
The bowlers had clear strategies, which pleased the skipper:
“This was the perfect game for him to bowl his full quota. He had very clear plans, and that makes my job easier.”
Discipline in bowling ensured Pakistan couldn’t capitalize on their strong start. Middle-overs pressure restricted them to 172, a below-par score considering the pitch.
Why the Rivalry Narrative Needs to Change
Fans and media love to sell the “India-Pakistan match rivalry” as the biggest spectacle in cricket.
As Yadav said, the numbers show a clear pattern now. When one side keeps winning, the surprise is lost.
Instead, the focus should now shift towards quality cricket, individual performances, and fresh matchups. As seen in Spinmatch cricket news, Abhishek, Gill, and the bowlers are shaping a new era of dominance.
Key Takeaways from the Clash
- Suryakumar Yadav’s bold statement: “This is not a rivalry anymore.”
- Abhishek Sharma’s growth: selfless batting and unmatched work ethic.
- Shubman Gill’s brilliance: smart play against Pakistan’s best bowlers.
- Team bonding: off-field friendships reflect on-field understanding.
- Bowling execution: clear plans and discipline made the difference.
FAQs
Q1: Why did SKY say that the matches between IND and PAK are no longer rivalries?
He mentioned this because Pakistan has lost in many matches, so it is unequal to compare.
Q2: What made Abhishek Sharma special during the match?
His selfless style of play, his skillful adjustments after the power play, and his dedication in practice sessions.
Q3: How did Shubman perform in the match against Pakistan?
He managed to tackle the Pakistani players with a good partnership score along with Abhishek
Q4: What was the main strategy for India’s bowlers?
The bowlers managed to keep to their plans, bowling tightly in the middle overs and keeping the Pakistan batters to a total that was attainable.
