'Long journey': Suryakumar Yadav on India's third T20 WC title
What's the story
On a high-octane Sunday night, Suryakumar Yadav became India's third captain to win the ICC T20 World Cup. He led the Men in Blue to a 96-run win over New Zealand in the 2026 final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. India became the first host nation to win the tournament. They are also the first team to defend their T20 World Cup title and secure three honors. On this historic win, here's what Suryakumar said in the post-match presentation.
Journey reflection
'Been a long journey'
After the final match, Suryakumar reflected on his journey since the 2024 T20 World Cup and praised his team's consistent performance throughout the tournament. He said, "I think it'll take a little bit of time, but definitely, very happy. Been a long journey. Started post the 2024 World Cup." He credited Jay Shah and Rohit Sharma for their faith in him and for giving him this opportunity to lead Team India.
Team acknowledgment
Praise for Samson, Abhishek
Suryakumar praised his team for their stellar performance, especially during the final match. He said, "Boys took it really well. I think it's really important to understand what they are capable of. And I knew they had the match winners in them." He specifically mentioned Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as top players who would do something special, which they did in the final.
Bumrah's brilliance
'Once-in-a-generation bowler'
In the final, Jasprit Bumrah was India's star bowler, taking four wickets for just 15 runs in his four overs. He also shared the title of tournament's highest wicket-taker with Varun Chakaravarthy, with 14 wickets each. Praising Bumrah's performance, Suryakumar called him "once-in-a-generation bowler" and a "national treasure," adding that he is "the best in the business."
Match
How the final panned out
Being invited to bat, India hammered a historic 255/5 in 20 overs, the highest total in the T20 World Cup finals. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan slammed blazing half-centuries. At one stage, India were 203/1 in 15 overs before James Neesham brought NZ back. However, Shivam Dube's cameo powered the hosts. The Kiwis later perished for 159 as Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets. He was adjudged the Player of the Final. Samson was the Player of the Tournament.