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.
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.
“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.