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If the signs at the toss mean anything, we could see another cold approach from the Indian players towards their Pakistani counterparts in the Super 4s fixture of the Asia Cup in Dubai. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bowl, going by the general trends of the venue and the pitch that generally tends to get better as the game progresses. The major point, though, was that he avoided eye contact with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, which meant that a handshake was never going to happen at all.

Suryakumar spoke to Ravi Shastri who was hosting the toss for the broadcaster, and then just walked off without looking at Agha. The Pakistan captain also didn’t seem to bother much about it and perhaps, Pakistan expect more of the same from India in this regard. Agha also did his formalities by speaking at the toss and then walked away. It would be interesting to see how Pakistan react to the whole thing, if they do end up winning this fixture. There is a lot of time for that but for now, it seems like the deadlock will continue as far as on-field behaviour goes between India and Pakistan.

India’s decision at the toss also had to do with the dew factor, something that Suryakumar admitted to as well. India have made two changes to their playing XI, expected ones at that, as Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy return after being rested against Oman.

“We’ll bowl first,” said Suryakumar at the toss.

“Looks a nice track and yesterday there was dew. Since first round we were thinking we’re playing a knockout tournament, nothing changes. That was a completely different wicket (in Abu Dhabi). Quite normal, just another game. Bumrah and Varun come back for Arshdeep and Harshit.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan have also made two changes but unlike India, these are forced changes made due to form. Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf are in the XI while Hassan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah are sitting out. Like Suryakumar, Agha also admitted that the surface appeared to be a bowl-first track.

“Would’ve bowled first as well,” said Agha.

“It’s a new game, new challenge. The mood is very normal. Pitch looks to be on the slower side. Want to start well with both bat and ball. Two changes. Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah not playing.”