“Ritika Told Me That…”: Suryakumar Yadav Channels Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Insights in Surprising Revelation

Suryakumar Yadav shares how Ritika Sajdeh’s advice helped India’s captain prepare for the 2025 Asia Cup.

Drama and Controversy Mark India’s 2025 Asia Cup Triumph

India’s 2025 Asia Cup campaign was far from smooth, despite the team clinching the title. The Men in Blue faced Pakistan three times — in the group stage, Super Fours, and the final — with controversies shadowing each encounter. The drama extended into the post-match presentation, where India celebrated their win without receiving the trophy. Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates chose to boycott ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister. Naqvi, expected to present the trophy, appeared unimpressed by the snub.

Earlier fixtures in the group stage and Super Fours were also mired in controversy, notably the handshake row. India consistently avoided shaking hands with Pakistan, including Suryakumar Yadav steering clear of captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss in all three matches.

Suryakumar Yadav reveals Ritika Sajdeh’s advice

Speaking to The Indian Express, Mumbai Indians star Suryakumar Yadav praised Rohit Sharma’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, for her advice on handling distractions before the tournament.

“I knew there would be a lot of noise,” he said.

“One can’t ignore WhatsApp because it’s the mode of communication. But before coming here, I deleted all my social media from my phone, be it Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. Because if it’s on your phone, people send messages, and it’s a human thing to see it. I remember speaking to Rohit (Sharma) and his wife (Ritika) about how he cuts the noise before big games. Ritika told me that he shuts all his social media apps on his phone. I also followed it, and it helped in my decision-making,” he added.

Suryakumar also insisted that his poor displays at the Asia Cup didn’t mean he had lost form.

“I get a slight start then gaadi band ho jaati hai (the vehicle stops). It is not that I am not playing shots. I am playing shots too. I have not stopped anything. I can’t say that I have no form. I can only say that I am out of runs. So there is no pressure of captaincy. Now when you see Rohit Bhai, he has batted more openly in his captaincy. It is just that there will be a small hurdle and I will cross it. God has saved everything for the right time,“ he explained.

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