Former India captain Suryakumar Yadav recently opened up on backing Abhishek Sharma despite his poor form in the 2026 T20 World Cup. He revealed that he identified the southpaw as one of the players who could help him win the coveted ICC trophy.Abhishek’s form came under scrutiny following a string of poor performances in the showpiece event. The swashbuckling batter repaid the team management’s faith with an impactful knock in the final against New Zealand.He scored 52 runs off just 21 balls at a strike rate of 247.62, helping the Men in Blue get off to a flying start.
Speaking about why he persisted with Abhishek during the form slump, Suryakumar said on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel:”When I became the captain in 2024, the first time I saw him, I understood that this is a player who will win me the World Cup. Then, with how he played throughout the year, he was the No. 1 batter in T20Is and finished half the game in the powerplay itself. I wanted a player who could do those things.
I was completely dazzled.”Suryakumar mentioned that he asked Abhishek to stick to his natural game. Sharing details of his conversation with the 25-year-old before the all-important final, he added:”I told him that irrespective of anything, play in the same fashion till the World Cup because this is your identity. He started in the World Cup and could not score. I didn’t talk to him at all.
The coach also didn’t say anything because he
The coach also didn’t say anything because he knew what this player can do if he batted for just six overs. Before the final, he was thinking, ‘Main karunga aap ke liye paaji (I will do it for you).’ I told him that there is no responsibility or pressure on you; just show me your game. There is no problem if you get out while trying to hit a six on the first ball.”India posted a mammoth 255/5 in 20 overs after being put in to bat first.
Sanju Samson was the top scorer with his 89 off 46, while Ishan Kishan contributed 54 off 25. Jasprit Bumrah bagged a four-wicket haul as New Zealand were bundled out for 159 in 19 overs.”We realized that we were going to do something special” – Suryakumar Yadav highlights the turning point of T20 World Cup 2026Suryakumar Yadav remarked that India’s 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage was a wake-up call for the team.
He recalled how the players regrouped after the setback and were determined to push harder.”After the India-South Africa match in Ahmedabad, we realized that we were going to do something special. Sab log ka screw achanak se tight ho gaya (everyone suddenly got charged up). Everyone started seeing each other, thinking, now we will have to do something. There is a very thin line between it will happen, and you have to make it happen.
Everyone pushes together in that,” he added in the same video.Notably, India became the first-ever team to successfully defend their men’s T20 World Cup title.
Source: www.sportskeeda.com
