ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav Throws Light On How He Kept Non-Playing Members Motivated Throughout The Tournament?

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The Indian national cricket team recently added another historic chapter to its cricketing legacy by clinching its third ICC Men's T20 World Cup title after defeating New Zealand national cricket team in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Speaking on JioStar's show Follow the Blues, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav reflected on the emotional journey of leading the side to glory, the challenges he faced as captain, and the team's ambitions moving forward.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: A Full-Circle Moment In Ahmedabad

For Suryakumar, lifting the trophy in Ahmedabad carried special significance. The stadium where he made his international debut in 2021 became the venue where he led India to global success five years later.

"It's a very special feeling to win the T20 World Cup here at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. My journey in international cricket started here in 2021, and coming back here in 2026 and winning the World Cup as India's leader is truly special," he said.

The Indian skipper added that the victory held immense meaning for the entire team, especially at a venue that had been widely discussed in cricketing circles.

The Toughest Part Of Captaincy

While the triumph brought celebrations, Suryakumar admitted that one of the most challenging aspects of leading the team during the tournament was managing players who did not feature regularly in the playing XI.

According to the captain, it was crucial to ensure that those waiting for opportunities remained mentally prepared and motivated.

"The players who keep playing are in autopilot mode. They know what to do. But those who don't get many chances need constant conversations. Spending time with them was very important," he explained.

Suryakumar also credited the support staff for playing a key role throughout the tournament, ensuring that every member of the squad felt involved despite not always being on the field.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Inspiring Stories Within The Squad

The Indian skipper highlighted several personal moments with teammates that stood out during the campaign.

One such story involved Mohammed Siraj, who received a late call-up to the squad after Harshit Rana suffered an injury.

"I called Siraj a few days before the tournament. He was sitting with his friends and eating food. When I told him he had to join the squad, he thought I was joking," Suryakumar recalled.

He also praised the contributions of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, noting how both players stepped up whenever the team needed them.

Another player who earned special praise from the captain was pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

"I call Bumrah a national treasure. He knows he is the best in the business, but he never allows complacency to creep in. That shows a lot of character," Suryakumar said.

Supporting Players Through Tough Phases

Suryakumar also revealed how he worked closely with Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy during difficult phases in the tournament.

The captain emphasized that dips in performance are a natural part of sport and that players must learn to respect those moments rather than panic.

"When you take two steps back, it's like a bow and arrow. Pulling the arrow back doesn't mean life is pushing you backwards-it means you are preparing to launch forward," he explained.

Both players eventually delivered when it mattered most, playing crucial roles in the final.

Eyes On Future Glory

Despite winning three ICC trophies since 2024, including the ICC Champions Trophy and back-to-back T20 World Cups, Suryakumar believes the team cannot afford to relax.

The next major targets include the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 and a historic opportunity at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where cricket will make its Olympic debut.

"The Olympic gold will definitely be our top priority. And in the same year there will be another T20 World Cup. We have already won two in a row, so winning three in a row will be our next goal," he said.

With a strong core of players, renewed confidence, and ambitious targets ahead, India's latest World Cup triumph could mark the beginning of another dominant era in international cricket.