Suryakumar calls India’s T20 World Cup campaign a ‘wonderful journey’

Ahmedabad, March 9: Suryakumar Yadav described India’s title-winning run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as a “wonderful journey”, highlighting the team’s transformation and new approach to T20 cricket as key factors behind their historic triumph.

Speaking after the final, the Indian skipper said the month-long tournament had been memorable for the team despite an uncertain start.

“Obviously, it has been a wonderful journey in the last one month, though it didn’t start the way we wanted it to start, but then it’s part of the sport. Throughout the journey till today, it has been very special and collectively as a team what we’ve achieved is right in front of you,” Suryakumar said at the post-final press conference.

India successfully defended their title after defeating New Zealand national cricket team, led by Mitchell Santner, by a massive 96-run margin in the final.

Reflecting on the team’s evolution over the past two years, Suryakumar said India had changed its approach after the 2024 T20 World Cup victory and adopted a more aggressive brand of cricket.

“Everything changed post-2024. We played a different brand of cricket in 2024 and from there, we understood how this team needs to move forward and play going ahead. It has been a wonderful journey since then,” he said.

He also recalled that India had clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during the same period and expressed satisfaction at delivering another memorable performance for the home crowd.

“We won an ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and now in 2026 we wanted to do something special in front of a home crowd right here. We want to continue doing that in the coming years as well,” he added.

Looking ahead, the Indian captain said the team would now focus on upcoming global tournaments, including cricket’s return at the 2028 Summer Olympics and the next T20 World Cup cycle.

In the final, India posted a record 255 for 5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final, powered by a blistering 52 off 21 balls from Abhishek Sharma. He shared a crucial 98-run partnership with Sanju Samson to set the platform for the massive total.

Chasing 256, New Zealand lost early wickets as India’s bowlers dominated proceedings. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with figures of 4 for 15, while Axar Patel claimed three wickets. Despite a fighting 52 off 26 balls from Tim Seifert, the Kiwis were eventually bowled out for 159, sealing a comprehensive victory for India.

The triumph marked another significant milestone for Indian cricket as the team continued its successful run in global tournaments.