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India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav wants to rewrite history by defeating Australia in the T20 World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Suryakumar Yadav picks T20 World Cup 2026 finalist
Notably, the last time India featured in the final of an ICC event in Ahmedabad, two years ago, it ended in heartbreak as it lost to Australia in the title decider of the ODI World Cup.
“Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia. Definitely,” Suryakumar said at an event in Mumbai where the schedule for the Men’s T20 World Cup was unveiled.
Suryakumar Yadav on Group Stage matches
However, before thinking about the final, it will be important for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side to handle the pressure of playing at home. Placed in the same group, alongside Pakistan, the Netherlands, Namibia and USA, Suryakumar seems confident of India’s chances.
“The group looks quite decent. It’s a T20 format, so you never know which team has a good day on a given day. It’s all about two batters and two bowlers having a good day. But the group looks quite decent and it (feels good to) play in good venues like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad,” Suryakumar said.
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Suryakumar Yadav on India vs Pakistan clash
The high-voltage clash of the tournament will be played between India and Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo. In the T20 World Cups, India has won seven of the nine fixtures between the teams, with one no result. The last time they faced off in the Asia Cup, India defeated Pakistan in all three meetings and eventually clinched the title.
“We played them recently during the Asia Cup and we had a good time. Everything was completely focused on cricket, nothing else as you must have seen,” Suryakumar said with a smile, before adding: “I’m sure it will be a good game. Boys are always excited to Pakistan.”
Suryakumar Yadav for pressure in World Cup
India has won the last two consecutive ICC titles, the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy earlier this year so skipper Suryakumar Yadav is aware of the fact that, being the defending champion, the expectations will be high.
“I have been part of the wonderful unit in 2023 when we played the ODI World Cup in India. The vibe was completely different. It’s a completely different ball game. When India comes into the picture, when you play for the country, it has a completely different emotion altogether. So they are really excited,” Suryakumar said.
“We’ve been trying to play a different brand of cricket. Hopefully we can do the same thing going into the World Cup. Everyone is really excited,” he added.
Defending champions India will start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on February 7 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai
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