'Next goal is Olympic gold': Suryakumar Yadav after India's T20WC triumph
Ahmedabad, March 9
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has described the team's run to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 title as a "wonderful journey," highlighting the collective effort that helped the side achieve success in front of the home crowd in Ahmedabad.
Speaking at the post-final press conference, Suryakumar said the campaign had its challenges in the early stages, but the team gradually found its rhythm and delivered a strong performance throughout the tournament.
After leading India to their third T20 title, Suryakumar Yadav has set his sights on winning the Olympic gold medal in 2028.
"Obviously, it has been a wonderful journey in the last one month, though it didn't start the way we wanted it to start, but then it's part of the sport. Throughout the journey till today. It has been very special and collectively as a team what we've achieved, I think it's right in front of you, so very happy with that and as you rightly said, definitely the next goal is the Olympics, and also the T20 World Cup that year. Don't forget," Suryakumar said.
The Indian skipper emphasised that the team's approach underwent a major transformation after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, when the side adopted a more aggressive and modern style of cricket that has continued to deliver results in major tournaments.
"Everything was changed post 2024. We played a different brand of cricket in 2024, and from there, we understood how this team needs to work forward, play forward. And it's been a wonderful journey since then," he said.
Suryakumar pointed out that the team's evolution began with success in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and continued with their dominant performance in the T20 World Cup at home.
"We won an ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, played a completely different brand of cricket, and now, in 2026, we wanted to do something special in front of a home crowd right here. So we want to continue doing that 27 - 28 - 29 and never stop," he added.
Coming to the match, NZ put India to bat first after winning the toss, Samson (89 in 46 balls, with five fours and eight sixes), Abhishek Sharma (52 in 21 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Ishan Kishan (54 in 25 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) and Shivam Dube (26* in 8 balls, with three fours and two sixes) took India to 255/5.
Later on, despite a fifty from Tim Seifert (52 in 26 balls, with two fours and five sixes), the Kiwis had to bow down to the sheer greatness of Axar (3/27) and Bumrah (4/15) as Men in Blue secure their third T20WC title in style, becoming the first team to defend the title, and also the first host nation to win the trophy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of the boys! Winning at home in Ahmedabad must have been an incredible feeling for them. The shift to a more modern, fearless brand of cricket is what we needed for so long. Now, aiming for Olympic gold in 2028? That's the spirit! Let's go for it.
While the victory is sweet, I hope the focus on Olympic gold doesn't make us take our eyes off the ball in cricket itself. We have Test matches and the ODI World Cup too. The balance is key. But congratulations to the team for a stellar performance!
As a cricket fan living in India, this was magical to watch. 255/5 is a monstrous score! Axar and Bumrah were clinical with the ball. Defending the title and winning as hosts - this team is creating a legacy. Well done, Men in Blue!
The transformation post-2024 is real. We used to play safe, now we play to dominate. That's the winning mentality. Suryakumar's captaincy has been brilliant. Olympic gold will be tough with other sports, but if any cricket team can do it, it's this fearless Indian side.
Bas, bohot khush hoon! The entire nation is celebrating. From Champions Trophy 2025 to this... what a run! The players look like they're enjoying themselves, which is most important. Wishing them all the best for the Olympics dream. Chak De India!
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