'Our flight to Colombo is booked, we're going' – Suryakumar Yadav on Pakistan game

India captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the uncertain February 15 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, stating the team is prepared to play.

"Their decision is not in my control. I wish I could take that decision," Suryakumar Yadav said. "It's their call. We have been told that we have to play a game on the 15th. We played them three times in the Asia Cup at a neutral venue. We played some good cricket, we won and we were very happy. If we get an opportunity, we will definitely play them."

He acknowledged the complexity for the ICC: "It is not an easy job. I am sure they must be working out something. If it has come from the other government or nation, how can they help as well. It is a difficult call and it is a difficult situation too. If we are told that the fixture is ready, we will definitely go and play."

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, speaking from Colombo, echoed a similar view: "It's not in our control. It's a government decision, and we respect that. Whatever they are going to say, we do that."

Suryakumar made India's position clear: "We didn't refuse to play. We agreed. The ICC has given the fixture, and the BCCI and the government decided on a neutral venue. Our flight to Colombo is booked, and we're going. We'll take care of the rest."

He recalled India's recent success against Pakistan: "We played them three times in the Asia Cup, we played some good cricket. We won and we were very happy. Similarly, if we get an opportunity in Colombo, we will definitely play. The discussion in the team is clear. First, we will play the match on the 7th. Then we will go to New Delhi and after that we will go to Colombo."

World Cup Preparations and Team Mentality

Ahead of the World Cup, Suryakumar emphasized the team's preparation and form. "The way we have been playing, it looks like that (that they are the favourites). But you have to bring your A game on. There are definitely good teams in the competition, and I am sure every game will be important."

On the potential dew factor affecting matches, he said: "We should eliminate this factor from the game. Dew is not in our control. You expect and there may also not be any dew. We will focus on what's in our control. We have played matches in dew and we have some idea on how to cope with it."

Washington Sundar's Fitness

Suryakumar confirmed the team is willing to wait for all-rounder Washington Sundar to be fully fit rather than seek a hasty replacement.

"We are hoping about Washington also the same way. We spoke to him, he is doing really well. He is almost there. We want him to be fully fit when he comes back. We have to be patient with good players."

India's Approach

When asked about the team's playing style, Suryakumar highlighted a consistent mentality. "Indian mentality. We have been playing a good brand of cricket and have changed our style lately. Earlier, we used to approach bilateral series and ICC tournaments differently. Now, we approach all matches the same way. Similarly, we will try to adopt the same style we have been playing over the last year in this World Cup as well."