'If Someone Checked My Heart Rate...': Captain Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up After Wankhede Thriller as India Secures Final Berth

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The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a match for the ages as India edged out England by just 7 runs in the second semifinal of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

In a contest that saw a record-breaking 499 runs scored in 40 overs, India's captain Suryakumar Yadav couldn't hide his emotions during the post-match presentation, admitting to extreme nerves while hailing the clinical execution of his players.

The foundation of India's victory was a mammoth total of 253/7, headlined by Sanju Samson's explosive 89. Surya was quick to credit the wicketkeeper-batter.

"I think he knew what he wanted to do as soon as he went in to bat. Even when a wicket fell, he knew the wicket was good, so he kept pressing the pedal. The way he batted was exactly what the team required. It was due after all the hard work he's been putting in over the last year. It was a special knock today."

Surya also highlighted a key tactical shift involving Shivam Dube, who took the attack after being promoted in the batting order.

"When we saw Rashid bowling from one end, Dube was a perfect match-up. Even if I had scored a 50 or 100 in the last game, if the team needed that change today, it was the right call," the skipper noted, emphasizing the team-first mentality.

"Oh my God! I just told Harry Brook, 'How much more do we need to score against you guys?' But honestly, it was a good wicket... they were always in the game. But the way Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and the other bowlers pulled the game back was unbelievable," the India captain said crediting to Jasprit Bumrah.

Specifically praising Jasprit Bumrah, who once again delivered a match-winning spell under pressure, Surya added: "We all know what he's capable of... he did the same thing again today, raised his hand and showed character to pull the game away from them."

Leading India in a home World Cup carries immense weight, and Surya was candid about the physical toll of the close finish.

"Very nervous! If someone had checked my heart rate, it would have easily been 160-175. But that's part of the game. It was a wonderful semi-final, and now we're very happy to go into the final."

He also shared his appreciation for the Mumbai crowd and the support staff, particularly fielding coach T Dilip, noting that the team's elite catching was a result of competitive and "fun" practice sessions.

India now heads to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to face New Zealand on March 8. It is a chance for India to defend their title on home soil and finally overcome the "Kiwi Curse" that has plagued them in past ICC events.