WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya receive GRAND welcome after India’s win over Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 final

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India‘s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to Mumbai after leading the team to their Asia Cup 2025 triumph against arch-rivals Pakistan, sparking a wave of public celebration.

Suryakumar and Hardik received a rousing response and a hero’s welcome upon their arrival at the Mumbai airport on Monday evening, with hundreds of enthusiastic fans gathered to greet them. The T20I captain was further celebrated at his residence in Deonar, where former MP and Shiv Sena leader Rahul Ramesh Shewale, along with society members, felicitated him with a shawl, garland, and the national flag. Despite the joy, the team returned without the championship trophy as an unusual situation unfolded at the end of the final, where the ACC Chief and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took the trophy away after the Indian team declined to accept it from him. This drama meant that Suryakumar was unfortunately without the silverware as he was being welcomed back home.

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#WATCH | Mumbai | Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav receives a grand welcome as he reaches home

(Source: Shiv Sena Leader Rahul Shewale Office)

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2025

Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav floors Pakistani journalist with witty reply after India’s Asia Cup 2025 title win

Suryakumar’s performance was characterized by an alarming batting slump that stood in stark contrast to his success as India’s captain. While he led the team to an unbeaten run and ultimately the Asia Cup title, his personal contributions with the bat were minimal and a major point of discussion.

Across six innings in the tournament, the T20I superstar managed approximately 72 runs at a poor average of around 18.00 and a strike rate barely over 100. His only notable score was an unbeaten 47 not out against Pakistan in the group stage. In the Super Four and the crucial final, his struggles continued: he registered scores like a duck against Pakistan, 5 against Bangladesh, 12 against Sri Lanka and a failure with just 1 run in the final against Pakistan.

In contrast, Hardik played his expected role as a premier all-rounder, providing crucial balance to the side before his tournament was cut short by injury. Across the six matches he participated in, Hardik contributed with four wickets and maintained an economy rate of approximately 8.57, often taking the new ball alongside Jasprit Bumrah. His best moment with the ball was during the Super Four game against Sri Lanka, where he bowled the opening over and instantly claimed a wicket.

With the bat, he managed to score around 48 runs in his limited opportunities, including a highest score of 38 against Bangladesh in the Super Fours, showing flashes of his power-hitting ability. Unfortunately, his campaign ended prematurely. He suffered a niggle during the Super Four match against Sri Lanka and was subsequently ruled out of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.

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