Asia Cup: 'Play hard, play fair' - Ajinkya Rahane hails Suryakumar Yadav’s sportsmanship in 'towel drama'

NEW DELHI: India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, but it was an act of sportsmanship from skipper Suryakumar Yadav that stole the spotlight.

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane lauded Suryakumar for withdrawing a run-out appeal against Junaid Siddique, calling it a decision that reflected character and spirit.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The incident occurred in the 13th over of UAE’s innings when Siddique stepped out of his crease while distracted by a towel falling from bowler Shivam Dube’s trousers. Sanju Samson capitalised with a direct hit, but Suryakumar chose to withdraw the appeal, allowing Siddique to continue.“It was a great call by Team India and captain Surya because Junaid was not looking for a run. I guess he was not aware of where the crease was,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel. “As a wicketkeeper or a fielder, when you get the ball in hand, your instinct is to aim at the stumps. But it was the right call made by Team India. They have shown great character and very good sportsman’s spirit. That’s what you want to see in cricket — you play hard, but you play fair.

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While the decision did not change the match outcome — UAE folded for 57 and India chased the target in just 4.3 overs — Rahane stressed that such gestures carry a bigger meaning for the game.The veteran batter also weighed in on team balance, notably the absence of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in the XI. India opted for Jasprit Bumrah as the frontline pacer, with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube providing seam support.“Personally, I think this was a very well-balanced team,” Rahane said. “The only player missing was Arshdeep Singh, and I would love to see him in the playing XI bowling with Bumrah. Against quality opposition, India will need a quality fast bowler. If Hardik bowls in the powerplay, you need someone to bowl alongside Bumrah at the death. I’m sure Arshdeep will get a chance somewhere down the line in this tournament.”