Shreyas Iyer says India's rain-hit preparation showed champion mindset
Shreyas Iyer says India's refusal to complain about rain-disrupted preparation showed a champion mindset in their Asian Games final win over Pakistan.
India captain Shreyas Iyer said his team's refusal to complain about rain-disrupted preparation was a sign of a champion mindset after beating Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket final on Saturday. India posted 211 for six before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin.
Abhishek Sharma made 61 off 28 balls and Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 51 off 22 balls for India. Jasprit Bumrah removed three Pakistan batters in his opening burst. Hasan Nawaz made 96 before Shivam Dube dismissed him on the final ball.
Iyer said the squad adapted without making excuses despite arriving on September 20 and getting their first proper training session only before the semi-final on October 1. India had beaten Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semi-final. Pakistan advanced with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in a rain-shortened semi-final.
CricHubb Take
Iyer's focus on mindset reveals that India treated the disrupted build-up as a test of character rather than an excuse for any shortcomings.