'We've got to go out and...' - Ryan Ten Doeschate opens up on India's stance on playing against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

India's assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate opened up on the team's stance for the match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. With all the backlash faced by the Indian team and the Board, the assistant coach made it clear that they will maintain a level of professionalism with the opponent team throughout the match.

He spoke about the importance of the match and the conversation they had in the dressing room ahead of the clash against the Men in Green on September 14 in Dubai. The Men in Blue have been practicing hard for the upcoming match. 

"It's a very sensitive issue and I've got no doubt the players share the compassion and feeling of the vast majority of the Indian public," ten Doeschate explained. "The Asia Cup was in limbo for a long period of time and we were just waiting. We didn't think we were going to be coming at one stage."

"You know what the Indian government's stance is and now the team and particularly the players, you have to put those sentiments and the emotions behind. That's something we addressed in the team meeting today. We're aware of people's feelings, at the same time we've got to go out, and the guys get a chance to play for their country, and they'll be as professional and focused as they can be given the circumstances."

All eyes on India vs Pakistan game

India and Pakistan will meet after a very long time. While most of the people are boycotting the game due to the recent political tensions between two nations, the Central Government and the Board decided to go forward with the match since it wasn't a bilateral series. Boycotting the match at an international tournament would have led to giving Pakistan two points without working for it. 

Also read: 'I hope that unexpected hero comes from the bench' - Ravichandran Ashwin questions Gambhir over star player's exclusion in Asia Cup 2025 

Moreover, on an international level, the match is important for the players and their moral boost. Hence, the management decided to play the match against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. This will make the match even more interesting and thrilling to watch for the cricket lovers.