Asia Cup: India’s Coaching Staff Reflects on Pakistan Match Amidst Controversy

Ryan ten Doeschate, India’s assistant coach, discussed the team’s response to the contentious Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match against Pakistan. The game, hosted at the Dubai International Stadium, saw tensions flare. Pakistani players, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Sahibzada Farhan, were involved in multiple incidents. Rauf’s actions, such as displaying a ‘6-0′ gesture and mimicking fighter jets, were viewed negatively. These actions appeared to reference Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian aircraft. Ten Doeschate lauded the Indian team for maintaining composure despite the provocation. He mentioned the stress the players were experiencing and praised their behavior. He noted the performance of the Indian batsmen and the team’s ambitions on the field. The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill formed a partnership, with Gill scoring 47 and Abhishek hitting 74. Ten Doeschate noted the Pakistani team’s sledging and their efforts to win. India surpassed Pakistan’s score of 172 runs with Pandya and Varma’s contributions. Following the game, ten Doeschate appreciated the maturity demonstrated by Abhishek and Gill, noting the Pakistani pacers’ sledging. India will face Bangladesh in their next Super 4s match on Wednesday, September 24, at the same venue.