T20 World Cup: Gautam Gambhir reacts to Suryakumar Yadav's batting 'masterclass' after India's close shave vs USA

Following India’s victory in their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign opener, head coach Gautam Gambhir offered high praise for Suryakumar Yadav’s match-winning performance against USA. Gambhir described Yadav’s unbeaten 84 against the USA as a genuine 'masterclass', hailing it as one of the most exceptional T20I innings ever played under immense pressure.

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Gautam Gambhir lavishes immense praise on Suryakumar Yadav's batting

The Mumbai-born skipper truly led by example, anchoring the innings with a majestic 84* to set a formidable tone for the team. Supported by a clinical bowling display led by Mohammad Siraj, who claimed figures of 3-29, India successfully restricted the USA to secure a 29-run win. The combined strength of Yadav’s leadership with the bat and the disciplined bowling attack provided the perfect start to their World Cup journey.

“It was a good result to start with, and Surya — that was a masterclass, outstanding. It was one of the best T20I innings played under pressure," Gambhir said in the video posted by BCCI.

Watch the video here:

In the wake of India’s tense victory, the captain reflected on the team's narrow escape, acknowledging the early jitters that nearly derailed their efforts. He characterised the hard-fought win as a deeply special moment for the squad, emphasizing that overcoming such high-pressure situations is what defines the spirit of the team.

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Beyond the immediate celebration, the skipper highlighted the match as a critical learning opportunity for everyone involved. He noted that both the players and the support staff would take away valuable insights from the experience, using the lessons learned under fire to refine their strategy and composure for the remainder of the tournament.

“It’s a very, very special feeling to win after a few scares and hiccups, but it’s also an eye-opener for the boys and the support staff. I’ve played in similar situations before, so I knew that staying there for my side was crucial."

How the IND vs USA match unfolded?

Facing a precarious collapse at 77/6, India found a lifeline through the resilience of Suryakumar and Axar Patel. Together, they navigated the crisis with a vital 41-run partnership for the seventh wicket, stabilizing the innings when a competitive total seemed out of reach. Once the foundation was rebuilt, the Indian skipper took charge, unleashing his signature 360-degree stroke-making and raw power. His aggressive finish was punctuated by a relentless final over where he hammered two sixes and two fours, single-handedly propelling India to a respectable 161/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The momentum stayed with India during the second innings as the bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance. Mohammad Siraj led the charge with a clinical 3/29, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel provided crucial support by claiming two wickets apiece. This collective effort effectively stifled the USA’s chase, restricting them to 132/8 and securing a hard-fought 29-run victory to open the tournament.