Suryakumar Yadav, captain of the Indian team, provided context for the decision to forgo the customary handshake with Pakistan post-match. The captains’ interaction during the coin toss also lacked the handshake. Following the game, Yadav and Shivam Dube promptly retreated to the changing room, sparking controversy. Yadav clarified that the team adhered to a predetermined decision, acknowledging that certain principles take precedence over ‘sportsman spirit.’
“We took a call as we came here to only play. We gave a proper reply. We are aligned with BCCI and the government. I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalagam terror attack,” he mentioned. “We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. As they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best to, whenever given the opportunity, inspire them as well if possible.”