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India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate breaks the silence on Haris Rauf's provocative gestures during Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Pakistan speedster created a massive controversy when he made a '6-0' gesture towards the Indian fans and even mimicked planes getting shot down.
It was a direct reference to Pakistan's fake claims that it downed six Indian fighter jets during the military conflict when India struck down terrorist camps in Pakistan. Ahead of India's second Group Stage clash against Bangladesh, Doeschate agreed that they had watched some of Rauf's gestures, but that's not their concern, as India gave it back to them with their performance.
"Look, they had a very good start. I don't think they got carried away with it," Ten Doeschate said about the celebrations of Farhan.
"I will say given the situation you can see why guys are behaving and what they're trying to portray but we were very focused on how we wanted to behave. I think we stuck to the cricket really well," the former Dutch international said on Tuesday ahead of the Bangladesh game.
"It would have been easy to lose our minds at that point given the celebration as well and some of the words during the game from the Pakistan bowling unit. I thought the guys stuck really well to the task of getting the job done and winning the game."
However, Doeschate also put into perspective as to what compelled Rauf in making those controversial gestures.
"Let me first say, the amount of pressure that's been heaped on the players because of the situation, it's very difficult to control their behaviour.
"I did see some of the things Haris did and that's not our concern. Like I said earlier, we're really proud of how our guys carried themselves,” he said.
India and Pakistan faced each other twice in the Asia Cup 2025 so far, where the Men in Blue defeated the Salman Agha-led side in both clashes by seven and six wickets respectively at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
Doeschate also praised Abhishek Sharma after the opening batter single-handedly ripped apart Pakistan's overhyped bowling lineup, scoring 74 runs in just 35 balls. He also admitted that the kind of game Abhishek plays, there are chances that he won't succeed all the time. Notably, Abhishek is currently the highest run-getter in the Asia Cup 2025, scoring 173 runs in four outings with a highest score of 73, including 17 fours and 12 sixes.
"Fearless is the right word, but it is backed up by incredible skill. The kind of game he plays, you can't succeed all the time. He is a relaxed guy" added Doeschate.
After defeating Pakistan in their first Super Four clash, India will now face Bangladesh for their second Super 4 which will take place on September 24 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
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