Suryakumar Yadav has lauded Oman's fighting spirit in the recent Asia Cup T20 match, praising their "unbelievable brand of cricket". India managed a narrow 21-run win against Oman in Abu Dhabi. Despite the victory, Yadav was impressed by Oman's performance, acknowledging the quality they displayed.

Speaking after the match, Yadav noted the influence of Oman's coach, Sulakshan Kulkarni, stating, "I knew with their coach, Sulu sir, there will be khadoosness". He admitted enjoying watching them bat. Oman's captain, Jatinder Singh, expressed immense pride in his team's execution of plans and character in crucial moments.

Oman's performance was especially notable considering the challenges they faced entering the tournament. A dispute between the board and several key players over prize money led to a depleted squad. Despite this, players like Aamir Kaleem, 43, and Hammad Mirza, 27, stepped up, forming a remarkable 93-run partnership. Kaleem scored 64, and Mirza contributed 51, showcasing their conviction and skill.

India's Super Four campaign will begin with a match against Pakistan on September 21.

Earlier in the tournament, India defeated Pakistan. Following that match, Suryakumar Yadav explained the team's decision to not shake hands with the Pakistani team. Yadav stated that "some things in life are ahead of sportsmanship". He dedicated India's win to the armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor and expressed solidarity with the victims and families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. This decision was reportedly a team call, supported by the BCCI and the Indian government. Some viewed this as a political statement, possibly violating the spirit of the game.

In the match against Oman, India experimented with their batting order. Suryakumar Yadav, usually a top-order batsman, slotted himself in at number 11. This was a tactical move to give other players an opportunity to bat and gain experience. Sanju Samson was promoted to number 3, and bowlers like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh batted higher up the order. Yadav's move was selfless, allowing his teammates to adapt to the conditions.

Despite not batting, Suryakumar Yadav remained engaged, even consulting with Sanju Samson about a potential review. He finished the game with a smile, commenting he would aim to bat higher in the order in the future. Overall, India's performance against Oman was about experimentation and testing the squad's depth before the Super Four stage.