India let their cricket do the talking in the high-voltage T20 World Cup Group A clash against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday, registering a commanding 61-run victory.

After posting 175/7 in their 20 overs, India produced a clinical all-round performance to outclass their arch-rivals. Ishan Kishan starred with the bat, while Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and the spinners ensured Pakistan never gained momentum during the chase.

Amid the dominant display, captain Suryakumar Yadav earned widespread praise for his calm and composed leadership. Unlike the often-heated nature of India-Pakistan contests, Surya maintained his cool throughout and urged his teammates to focus solely on cricketing skills.

During the team huddle before defending the total, he told the players: “Keep running between overs. Kisi se kuch bolna nahi (Don’t say anything to anyone). We have to play good cricket. We will win this game with good skills.”

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Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar lauded Suryakumar for bringing situational awareness and maturity to the side’s approach.

“You have to play according to the situation, and that is what Captain Suryakumar Yadav has done. He has led from the front,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.

Gavaskar pointed out how Suryakumar had previously rescued India from 77/6 against the USA and once again anchored the innings against Pakistan after India were 88/2. The skipper scored a measured 32 off 29 balls, batting until the 19th over to ensure stability at one end.

“Yes, he didn’t score at a very high strike rate, but he made sure wickets didn’t fall. In T20 cricket, you want to reduce dot balls, but you also can’t afford to lose wickets recklessly. Awareness of match situations, ground conditions, and even the wind direction is crucial and Suryakumar has brought that awareness into this Indian team,” Gavaskar added.

With the emphatic win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, India not only sealed their place in the Super 8 stage of the 2026 edition but also extended their head-to-head dominance over Pakistan to 8-1 in T20 World Cup history.