This team is ready: Suryakumar Yadav motivates Oman ahead of T20 World Cup qualifiers

Suryakumar Yadav took time to interact with the Oman national team players after India’s nervy 21-run win in their final Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match, offering encouragement and sharing lessons from his own journey.

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), members of the Oman squad and support staff gathered around Yadav as he spoke about the mindset needed to succeed in international cricket.

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“After the power play, any team will try to control the game. In that situation, it is you who has to play the game strategically. There are many things for any team to learn, including us. I believe it is essential to maintain the energy and the vibe for each other. Like you were sitting together, sitting together no matter what is happening, if you’re 50 for 5 or 60 for no loss, that energy is spread,” the Indian T20I captain told the players.

The 35-year-old stressed that building strong relationships beyond the field was just as important as on-field performance.

“See, each batsman who comes in will keep contributing. I will always say that outside the ground, the time you spend together and the effort you put in are reflected on the field. As soon as someone scored 50, I saw everyone standing. No one was waiting. He also ran from inside (the dressing room). In my opinion, this is one thing,” Yadav said.

He went on to highlight the value of effort and team culture. “In the last press conference, I mentioned some things that are bigger than just how you play. This is what always makes the game bigger. Keep this in mind. After stepping off the ground, you should feel like this. You should feel sleepy today, knowing ‘we gave our best.’ Whether you win or lose, it will be decided by your attitude and culture. You all gave your best, and the result is in front of you. What more can I say?”

When one of Oman’s players mentioned their preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, Yadav quickly corrected him with encouragement.

“I want to correct you. This team is ready for the World Cup qualifier. The brand of cricket you played; remember the taste of it. When you wake up tomorrow, remember the kind of cricket we played. Keep this in mind and continue moving forward. They say you’re getting ready, but I tell you, you’re all set and ready.”

India will next face arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in their first Super Fours clash, with a spot in the Asia Cup final at stake.