India's T20 WC 2026 preparation began right after title win
What's the story
Ahead of the five-match series against South Africa, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed that the group began preparing for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup immediately after winning the title last year. "Our preparation is similar. The preparation started after the T20 World Cup 2024 got over," Surya said on Monday. Notably, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, their second title, under Rohit Sharma's leadership.
Preparation
Preparation for 2026 T20 World Cup
In the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar gave an insight into the preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. "Our 2026 T20 World Cup preparation began right after we won the T20 World Cup in 2024... Our preparation is similar. The preparation started after the T20 World Cup 2024 got over. Since then, we have been trying new things and everything is working for us," Surya said on Monday.
Strategy
Consistent combination and new strategies
Suryakumar emphasized that the team has been sticking to a similar combination in the last few series. "I feel in the last 5-6 series that we have played, we have tried and played with a similar combination. We have not changed too much... Everything is going well. We wanted to continue the same way," he added. India have been playing an attacking brand of cricket in T20Is of late.
Player impact
Hardik Pandya's return to T20I squad
Commenting on all-rounder Hardik Pandya's return to the squad, Suryakumar said that he brings a lot of balance to the team. "I think what you saw in the Asia Cup also, when he was bowling the new ball, he opened a lot of options," Surya said. He added that Hardik's experience in ICC events will be crucial for their performance. Notably, Hardik hasn't played for India since September this year with injury.
Information
Suryakumar confirms Shubman Gill's comeback
Suryakumar also confirmed that both Hardik and Shubman Gill are fit for the upcoming series. Gill missed out on the Guwahati Test and the recent ODI series against South Africa after sustaining a neck injury.