bbc-north.co.uk – Daily Features & Must-Read News

Varun Chakravarthy credits Gautam Gambhir for instilling a “Spartan mentality” in Team India, leaving no room for mediocrity. The mystery spinner thrived on his international comeback, starring in the ICC Champions Trophy and Asia Cup with key wickets. Partnering effectively with Kuldeep Yadav, Varun emphasized his attacking role, strategy in death overs, and the importance of specialists in T20 cricket, highlighting the trust and guidance from Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav.

Abhishek Sharma, the Asia Cup's Player of the Tournament with 314 runs at a 200 strike rate, reflected on his challenging journey, crediting domestic cricket for invaluable lessons.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha publicly criticized Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav for not shaking hands after the Asia Cup final, despite private greetings. Agha labeled India's conduct "disrespectful to cricket," implying Yadav followed instructions. Post-match, the Pakistan team announced donating their match fees to Pakistani civilians affected by "Operation Sindoor," further escalating the post-tournament narrative.

The India-Pakistan Asia Cup final introduces a unique two-broadcaster toss, yet Pakistan's controversial media management dominates headlines. Their team has repeatedly avoided Indian journalists, skipping press conferences and restricting questions. This communication approach, amidst on-field struggles, has drawn sharp criticism, contrasting with India's open engagement. The PCB's vague response further fuels the controversy.