IND vs PAK: Hands folded, Hardik Pandya gets emotional during national anthem in high-voltage Asia Cup clash

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium was drenched in noise and passion on Sunday as India and Pakistan renewed their storied rivalry in the Asia Cup 2025. But amid the charged atmosphere, one moment stood out, with Hardik Pandya, India’s star all-rounder, appearing visibly emotional during the national anthem, his eyes moist and hands folded as he sang along with the crowd, our reporter from the ground informs.Pandya’s reaction struck a chord with millions watching worldwide, symbolising the weight of the contest that transcends cricket. This was not just another game; it was India’s first meeting with Pakistan since heightened diplomatic tensions earlier this year, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives. The backdrop made the anthem and the occasion deeply poignant, and Pandya’s raw display of emotion captured that perfectly.On the field, Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bat first, sticking with the same XI that beat Oman by 93 runs. India, too, were unchanged from their nine-wicket win over UAE. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, celebrating his 35th birthday, said he was content with bowling first, banking on dew to aid the chase. “We played just one strip away; it was a nice wicket and better to bat on in the night. It's humid, so hoping for some dew,” he remarked.

Agha, however, backed his batters on what looked like a slower surface. “Have been here for 20-odd days and used to the conditions. Just want to bat first and put runs on the board,” he said.The toss itself carried a reminder of the uneasy relations between the two nations. Suryakumar and Agha refrained from a handshake, with the diplomatic chill seeping into the cricketing theatre.Playing XIs:India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun ChakaravarthyPakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed