India captain Suryakumar Yadav consoled Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage, who recently lost his father. The touching interaction has gone viral on social media.
Suryakumar Yadav Consoles Dunith Wellalage During Asia Cup 2025
India captain Suryakumar Yadav offered support to Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage on the sidelines of the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match at Dubai International Stadium. The 22-year-old spinner had recently lost his father, Suranga Wellalage, to a heart attack earlier this month.
After learning the news post the Afghanistan group stage match, Wellalage returned to the UAE for Sri Lanka’s Super 4s campaign. Suryakumar approached him, placed a hand on his chest, and shared comforting words. The two spoke for nearly two minutes, with Suryakumar patting and encouraging the young spinner, who nodded in agreement.
The interaction, captured and shared by Sony Sports Network, highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship. Despite returning, Wellalage struggled on the field, failing to take a wicket against Bangladesh and missing the next two Super 4s matches against Pakistan and India. Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, and manager Naveed Akram also offered their condolences and support.
India edge out Sri Lanka in a thriller
The contest went down to the final over, with Nissanka’s dismissal pushing the match into a Super Over. Arshdeep Singh bowled superbly for India, conceding only two runs. Suryakumar Yadav then sealed the win by hitting the winning runs off the very first ball from Wanindu Hasaranga. India now prepares to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup final on September 28 at Dubai International Stadium.