India National Cricket Team spinner Kuldeep Yadav has hogged the spotlight for his gesture towards the Pakistan National Cricket Team ahead of the emotionally charged Super Four clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
The Group A match between India and Pakistan had everything—from comedy to cricketing actions and emotions to political drama over the handshake controversy. The Men in Blue had won that match by seven wickets, and Kuldeep Yadav was Player of the Match for his stunning spell of 3/18 in 4 overs.
Kuldeep Yadav shows respect to Pakistan’s anthem amid Asia Cup 2025 drama
However, the Chinaman bowler and India’s dominating victory over Pakistan were overshadowed by the handshake saga. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently at war with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over India’s no-handshake act and Andy Pycroft’s role in the episode.
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Amidst this drama, a video is going viral on social media, where Kuldeep Yadav was seen paying his respect to Pakistan’s national anthem ahead of the group match on September 14 in Dubai. As the players from both sides lined up for the national anthem, Kuldeep was caught clapping on camera as soon as Pakistan’s “The Sacred Land” finished.
This didn’t sit well with many Indian fans, as they are slamming the spinner for showing his respect to Pakistan’s national anthem. However, some have joked about how Kuldeep got the better of the Pakistani batters after clapping and helped the Men in Blue seal a thumping victory in Dubai.
When Pakistan players caught off guard as DJ plays “Jalebi Bai”
Notably, a hilarious incident had unfolded before Pakistan’s national anthem in Dubai. The ground DJ accidentally played the popular track “Jalebi Bai” instead of Pakistan’s national anthem.
The mix-up quickly caught everyone’s attention, and the live cameras captured the Pakistani players surprised and amused, with fans sharing laughs and memes.
DJ played Jalebi Baby song on Pakistan National anthem 🤣#INDvsPAK #BoycottINDvPAK pic.twitter.com/rJBmfvqedI
— 𝗩 𝗔 𝗥 𝗗 𝗛 𝗔 𝗡 (@ImHvardhan21) September 14, 2025
Kuldeep Yadav is on the brink of a big Asia Cup record
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav is on the verge of scripting history in the ongoing T20 Asia Cup. The left-arm spinner has already taken seven wickets in just two Group A matches. He also bagged the Player of the Match award for his match-winning spells of 4/7 and 3/18 against the UAE and Pakistan.
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The wrist-spinner has an overall 76 wickets in 42 T20Is at an economy rate of 6.66 to his name so far. He will be next seen in action on September 19, when India will face Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
In this match, Kuldeep can break Ravindra Jadeja’s record of taking the most wickets in the Asia Cup. Currently, Kuldeep has 26 wickets in 13 Asia Cup matches. He needs to claim at least four more wickets to surpass Ravindra Jadeja’s record of 29 wickets and become India’s highest wicket-taker in Asia Cup history.
Jadeja, who retired from T20I cricket last year, played 26 Asia Cup matches across ODIs and T20Is, picking up 29 wickets. If Kuldeep manages to get four wickets against Oman, he will not only break Jadeja’s record but also cement his reputation as one of India’s most effective spinners.
