Why Suryakumar Yadav said IND vs PAK isn’t at the same level anymore

Suryakumar Yadav on IND vs PAK cricket rivalry

After having defeated Pakistan for the second time in the Asia Cup 2025 campaign, Suryakumar Yadav on IND vs PAK cricket rivalry made a strong statement, claiming that it no longer holds the same weight. India’s T20I skipper, in his post-match interview, said the rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket has lost its intensity due to India’s continued dominance. Here’s a look at why the IND vs PAK cricket rivalry isn’t the same anymore.

India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record

India’s recent cricket encounters against Pakistan have been in favor of the Men in Blue, prompting Suryakumar Yadav to question the rivalry’s intensity. In T20Is, India leads 12-3 overall, with the latest Super 4 match in the Asia Cup 2025 resulting in a six-wicket victory on September 21 in Dubai. This marks India’s second win over Pakistan in the tournament, following a seven-wicket triumph in the group stage. 

The chase was powered by openers Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 74 off 39 balls and Shubman Gill’s 47 off 28, as India reached 172 with seven balls to spare. Suryakumar highlighted this lopsided scoreline likening it to 13-1 or 10-0 stating that true rivalry requires balanced outcomes, like 7-7 or 8-7 in 15-20 matches, not one-sided dominance.

Post-Match Comment drama of India and Pakistan

During the press conference, a senior Pakistani journalist inquired if the gap in standards had widened. Suryakumar, with a smile, responded firmly: “Sir, my request is that we should now stop calling India vs Pakistan matches a rivalry. Rivalry and standard are all the same.” He emphasized that the contests lack competitive parity, urging the media to move beyond the hype.

This came after Pakistan posted 171/5, with India’s bowlers, including Shivam Dube’s crucial spell, restricting the scoring rate post the 10th over. The Indian captain also noted a seven-match winning streak across formats since Pakistan’s last victory in the 2022 Asia Cup, underscoring how India’s superior depth and execution have tilted the scales.

Future of IND vs PAK rivalry

Suryakumar’s remarks signal a shift in perception, from heated border rivalry to a mismatch driven by skill disparities. While the Asia Cup continues, this could influence narratives in upcoming events like the Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged India’s edge but vowed improvement, yet the focus remains on bridging the gap. For fans, the emotional pull endures, but on-field realities suggest it’s more a showcase of India’s prowess than an even contest.