'Players Are Focused on the Ground....' – India's batting coach ahead of Asia Cup 2025 India-Pakistan clash

India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has assured that the Men in Blue are fully prepared for their much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 encounter against Pakistan, despite the noise outside the cricketing field. The high-voltage clash comes amid calls from some fans for a boycott in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Kotak made it clear that the external distractions have not impacted the team’s preparations. He reiterated the government’s policy of facing Pakistan only in multinational tournaments and said the players’ minds are firmly on the game. “Once BCCI said they are aligned with the government's decision, our focus was always on the match. It's India versus Pakistan, and it will be an interesting game. India versus Pakistan is always a competitive game. Players are focused on the ground and nothing else is on their minds," Kotak told India Today.

As the build-up intensifies, both captains, Suryakumar Yadav for India and Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan, spoke about the aggression their teams will bring to the contest. The anticipation is high as both sides began their Asia Cup campaigns with convincing victories.

Captains and Experts Weigh In on the Clash

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav set the tone at the pre-match press conference, stating, “Aggression is always there on the field. Without aggression, you cannot play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow.”

Pakistan captain Salman Agha also reflected on his team’s approach, adding, “You don't need to say anything to anyone. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. The fast bowlers, they always want to be aggressive, because that's what keeps them going. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as they keep it on the ground.”

Meanwhile, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh reiterated that bilateral cricket should not resume until relations between the two nations improve. With tickets still not sold out, the excitement remains high as India heads into the fixture after a nine-wicket win over the UAE, while Pakistan comes in confident after thrashing Oman by 93 runs.