With the India-Pakistan rivalry once again taking center stage at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, India’s interim head coach Sitanshu Kotak has made it clear: his players’ minds should not drift away from the real contest.
As fans and media continue to fuel the noise around the high-voltage fixture at the Dubai International Stadium, Kotak insisted that the team must block out the chatter and focus only on cricket.
“Just concentrate on cricket, nothing else. There will always be noise around an India-Pakistan match, but the key is to keep it simple and stay in the present,” Kotak said in a calm yet firm tone at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
The message was sharp: ignore the hype, stay disciplined, and execute plans.
India enter the contest with momentum, having eased past UAE in their opening match with a commanding all-round performance. Pakistan, on the other hand, are fresh off a comfortable win over Oman, but the Super Four spot is still very much up for grabs — making Sunday’s clash all the more decisive.
For Kotak, who has been a quiet yet steady figure in India’s dressing room, the emphasis remains on clarity. “It’s important not to overthink. The boys know their roles. It’s about trusting your preparation and playing fearless cricket,” he added.
With both sides carrying firepower — India with Kuldeep Yadav’s spin and a solid top order, and Pakistan banking on Shaheen Afridi’s pace and Mohammad Haris’ form — fans can expect another dramatic chapter in the storied rivalry.
But as Kotak reminded, the outcome will depend less on the noise outside and more on the execution inside the 22 yards.
“Block the distractions, play your game, and the result will take care of itself,” he signed off.
India and Pakistan face off on Sunday evening under the Dubai lights, in what promises to be yet another unforgettable Asia Cup clash.
