Suryakumar Yadav hasn’t forgotten the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where Rohit Sharma’s dominant Indian team, after winning 10 matches in a row, fell to Australia in Ahmedabad. Now leading India’s T20 side, Suryakumar says he wants another shot at Australia, this time in the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the same venue.
On Tuesday, defending champions India were placed in Group A for the 2026 T20 World Cup, alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. Australia, meanwhile, entered Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.
Since the 2023 defeat, India have beaten Australia twice in major ICC events: first by 24 runs in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, and again in this year’s Champions Trophy semifinal, where India won by four wickets. Yet the desire to defeat Australia in a global final remains strong within the team, especially after back-to-back ICC title wins.
Asked which opponent he would prefer in a hypothetical final next year, Suryakumar answered instantly:
“Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia.”
India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur echoed his sentiment. Her team also defeated Australia in the semifinal of their recent World Cup campaign before lifting the trophy.
“Australia is the only team we want to beat because that’s the game that stays with you,” Harmanpreet said at the event where the ICC announced the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule and venues.
(By PTI Inputs)
