In New Delhi, Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, discussed personal conversations that shaped the team’s successful campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, highlighting the crucial role of belief, trust, and team spirit behind the scenes.
Suryakumar reflected on interactions with several squad members, including Ishan and Sanju. He emphasized that the players' willingness to prioritize the team, regardless of their individual roles, was a defining characteristic of India’s World Cup victory.
“The stories of some players in our World Cup squad have been very inspiring and emotional. For example, I spoke to Siraj a few days before the tournament. He was with his friends, wearing a cap, and eating. I told him that Harshit Rana was injured, and he needed to join the squad. He said, ‘Surya bhai, are you kidding me?’. That was his initial reaction.
“Then I spoke to Ishan Kishan just before our selection meeting. I asked him, ‘Chotu, will you help us win the World Cup?’. He responded, ‘Surya bhaiya, just trust me and have faith in me.’ Ishan’s actions have been truly inspiring. Sanju Samson didn't start the tournament, but he came in and said, ‘Tell me what I can do for the team.’ That was a very important moment.
“Players like these, from number 1 to 15, each have their own unique stories. And Jasprit Bumrah, I consider him a national treasure. He consistently performs at the highest level. But even he is aware of the need to maintain focus. I think that shows a lot of character,” SKY said on JioStar.
He also discussed the emotional significance of winning the World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the same venue where his international career began.
“It’s a very special feeling to win the T20 World Cup here at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. My international career started here in 2021. From the very beginning, it was a lot of fun. Then coming here in 2026 and winning the T20 World Cup as a leader for India is a very special moment. It feels great to be in the same stadium where so many great players have played,” he said.
The Indian captain also highlighted the less visible challenge of leading a World Cup-winning side, ensuring that players not in the playing XI remained motivated and mentally prepared throughout the tournament.
“In this T20 World Cup campaign, the most difficult part for me was managing the players who don't get many opportunities to play. Those who don't get chances, or get very few, I always felt that I should spend more time with them. The players who are constantly playing are in autopilot mode. They know what to do. But those who can play at any time but don't get to play in every game, it is difficult for them to stay focused. So spending time with them and having constant conversations was very important.
“The support staff also played a key role in this long journey. They are not playing, but they are supporting all the players. Talking to them, sharing their experiences... those were all very important moments for me. Sometimes I had to make difficult decisions. But at the end of the day, everyone’s goal is the same. We all want to win. Only 11 players can play to win a trophy. So making everyone understand and taking care of everyone is important. Leading a team with that thinking is a lot of fun,” he said.
During the tournament, Surya also spent considerable time supporting players going through difficult phases, particularly Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy, reminding them that temporary setbacks are a natural part of the sport.
"I was constantly talking to Abhishek and Varun throughout the T20 World Cup. I told them, ‘It’s not necessary that you will always perform well. Performance is not guaranteed. Even after a year of hard work, there may be a temporary dip in form. It’s important to respect that too. Because this is sport. You will see more failures than successes. So, respecting that time is important. When you respect that time and take two steps back, it's like a bow and arrow.’
“When you pull back the arrow, it doesn't mean life is pushing you back. It means it's going to launch you for something big. I told both the world number ones, Abhishek and Varun, that you are made for the big stage. No matter what happens. Even if you don't perform well in seven games, it's okay. If we reach the final, you will play and dominate. It was written in their destiny that both would perform well in the final. And it happened. They didn't stop working hard. Abhishek and Varun were always disciplined and stayed focused on cricket. They got their reward in the final,” he mentioned.
Looking ahead, the captain made it clear that India’s recent run of global success has only strengthened the team’s hunger for more titles, with major events on the horizon.
"In 2024, our ICC trophy drought ended after we won the T20 World Cup. After that, we won the Champions Trophy and now the T20 World Cup here in Ahmedabad. So three back-to-back ICC trophies. There is nothing to look back at now. Whatever ICC event comes next, we will play the way we have been playing since 2024. The ODI World Cup will come in 2027. As for this T20 team, I don't think we can relax. We cannot relax at all. In 2028, there is a bigger event than this. The LA Olympics will have cricket for the first time. That Olympic gold will definitely be our top priority. And the same year, there is the T20 World Cup again. We have won the trophy two times in a row, three times in a row is the next goal," he concluded.