Following the match, Indian team skipper Suryakumar Yadav addressed the decision to abstain from shaking hands with Pakistan. This unusual display of conduct was observed during the coin toss and after the match, where the captains refrained from the customary handshake. Post-match, Yadav and Shivam Dube immediately retreated to the changing room and shut the door, stirring controversy. Yadav stated the decision was a team directive, emphasizing that certain considerations supersede ‘sportsman spirit.’
He stated, “We took a call as we came here to only play. We gave a proper reply. We are aligned with BCCI and the government. I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalagam terror attack.” Yadav also added, “We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. As they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best to, whenever given the opportunity, inspire them as well if possible.”
