A look at Suryakumar Yadav's message to Team India
What's the story
Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has urged his team to be "courageous in tough situations." The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. This is a chance for India to avenge their ODI World Cup final loss to Australia at the same venue in 2023.
Leadership approach
'Fearless approach'
Suryakumar stressed on the importance of fearlessness in his team's approach. "We started this journey two years ago, and the circle has come back to the same stadium again where we left in 2023," he said. The captain also highlighted that many players in the dressing room have experience dealing with pressure situations at ICC events, which will be invaluable for the team during this final. "Be courageous in tough situations - that's the simple message to the team."
Tactical stance
Not concerned about New Zealand's strategy
When asked about New Zealand's possible strategy of bowling off-spin in the powerplay to target India's left-hand batters, Suryakumar wasn't too concerned. "We haven't discussed the offspin threat at all. On a given day, if any batter does well against a particular bowler, then it's important to do that and do what the team requires." "In the last game too, we saw there were two lefties against an offspinner but we batted well - Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube and even Tilak Varma. At this stage, I don't think we need to think about it too much. If in the final if they bring on two spinners then we have to face them and I'm sure we'll handle it."
Pre-match jitters
First major final as captain a 'special feeling'
This is Suryakumar's first major final as captain, having previously won two ICC tournaments under Rohit Sharma's leadership. "It is obviously a special feeling that I am going to lead tomorrow, and to be leading such a wonderful side into a final. That too on home soil. Of course, there are nerves. There will be butterflies in the stomach. But as I always say, if there is no pressure, there is no fun. So I'm also very excited."