- 3 hours ago
T20 World Cup 2026: India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the Men in Blue will travel to Colombo for the February 15 match, despite Pakistan threatening a boycott. Suryakumar said the matter is beyond his control, adding that even the International Cricket Council finds it difficult to intervene when decisions are driven by the Pakistan government.
Category
đź—ž
NewsTranscript
00:00My question is to the Indian captain, Surya. Is this the, you know, one of the most stronger teams that you see, India is the favourites, does that put a pressure of expectations and, you know, a bit of pressure, you know, everybody, home team, everybody is expecting to win the tournament, does that put a pressure of expectations on the team?
00:23I think the way, I think the way we've been playing, it looks like that, but on a given day when you play a game, you have to bring your A game on, you have to play good cricket, but there are definitely good 19 teams in the competition and I'm sure every game will be very important.
00:42And how easy are you to get your form back with the, I remember, not out of form, out of runs, but yeah, it's always good to be back amongst the runs, that too before a big tournament.
00:57Hello, Surya, Surya, all the things are going well, but former captain MS Dhoni has also said that one thing is going well, due, the rest of the people, all the things are going well, you have played in recent matches with New Zealand, due, what will be a big factor, especially if there is an important match, then?
01:24It's important to see all the matches, but at the same time, we will see what our strong points is, what we want to play, how we want to play cricket, due, we don't have control,
01:35sometimes if you win the toss before, if you win the fielding and then you win the batting, then due doesn't come, but it's not our control, what we want to see in our control, we want to see good batting before,
01:46and we are doing total chase, so we don't have any difficulty, so whatever the situation will be, be it a league game or semi-final or final,
01:56then we will take a decision, if we want to play batting, then we will play batting before, runs on board, always battery,
02:02and then, if you have seen, then we will play batting before, run and defend, like in due, we have played many matches already,
02:09so we have the idea, and so many people are playing so many years, franchise cricket and international cricket,
02:14so many of them are in the team, so I think that's a factor, which we should remove from the game, and we should focus on playing some good cricket.
02:23As a captain, I thought that due, when it happens at this time, if there is a day game, there is no good option in the game,
02:30any point of view?
02:31It is a day game, it is happening in the tournament, but I feel that it is a good challenge, if due comes,
02:40because this game is so advanced, you are prepared, if due is going to be due, then you are prepared,
02:46so it boils down to how you are preparing, that is more important,
02:52and then, when you go on the ground, it's all auto-pilot.
03:01Coach was telling me a few days back that, you know, quite a few series could not really go through,
03:06because of the administrative challenges, as a captain, as the leader of the team,
03:10how challenging has it been for you to isolate the team from those challenges,
03:14and ensure that purely in cricketing terms, nothing gets affected?
03:17How successful have you been in doing that?
03:19And also, in addition to that, among the associate nations, you have the highest player pool,
03:24so for holistic development of USA cricket, perhaps, Coach was saying that,
03:29it is about time that you get to play with full member nations, so what would be your appeal regarding that?
03:35We had a few hours before, and I think we have been used to these things before also, so,
03:42and this opportunity playing the World Cup, we got, we were well focused,
03:47and we got good preparation in the last three weeks, and we are well focused and ready to play the World Cup.
03:53Question for Mona. You were obviously born and raised in India, played for Gujarat, moved to the US,
04:05now the captain of the US team, coming to India, playing against India.
04:11So, a lot of emotions will be going on two days from now. How do you balance that? At the end of the day, people would say,
04:22It's a great feeling to come to India and play the World Cup. As a kid, I always dream of playing a World Cup
04:33and never thought of playing a World Cup in India and representing USA. So, it's a great feeling,
04:38and it's not just for me, a lot of players in the team, and really excited to play the World Cup.
04:43Yeah, this is to Aidan. South Africa came close to winning in 2024, the T20 men's T20 World Cup.
04:54The women came close to winning the 50 overs World Cup three months ago. What do you have to do to cross that,
05:02and lift the title?
05:05Cross score, one extra run, I guess. Like you mentioned, there's been some good signs,
05:12some good signs, I suppose, from the men's and the women's teams over the last couple of years,
05:16and to not quite have got over the line can be frustrating and disappointing,
05:22but you still got to take the positives that exist from those experiences.
05:27So, we'll take what's worked. Obviously, we're in different conditions now,
05:32but take the confidence, and if we get to a position where we can try to win a trophy,
05:39then, yeah, we'll give it an absolute crack.
05:46So, yeah, hi. I don't think it's happened before that we have started the World Cup
05:52with so much uncertainty regarding one team, whether you're playing it or not,
05:57and you know who are talking about Pakistan.
05:59What are you guys discussing?
06:06I don't know if you're talking with them, exchanging texts,
06:13what are your thoughts regarding the match?
06:18India, Pakistan, right? Because all of us are uncertain.
06:21What are you thinking? And what is the mindset of a captain going into a tournament?
06:27I think it is pretty clear.
06:31We've not done it for playing. We've come from that.
06:34The idea of the ICC has a fixture.
06:38The BCC has a neutral venue to decide to play with the ICC.
06:42Our flight book is from Kolombo.
06:44So, we're going to see the rest of the two.
06:49The discussion in the team is clear.
06:51First, we'll play the match.
06:53Then we'll go to Delhi.
06:54Then we'll go to Kolombo.
06:56Question.
07:00Question to Canada.
07:02How does it feel to play this tournament,
07:06especially for the whole of Canada,
07:09and also in your country where the weather is really tough,
07:15but also get adapted to these conditions?
07:19I think it's a very proud moment for all our players.
07:22Most of our players are from India.
07:24And as you told, condition.
07:26I think it's pretty hard in Canada.
07:28And thanks to our board,
07:30they had our pre-tour in Sri Lanka.
07:32And we prepared well.
07:33And we had a couple of games
07:35where we checked our combination and everything.
07:37And I feel as a captain, we are well prepared.
07:39But it's a day game.
07:41Whoever did, it will happen.
07:43And it will happen.
07:44Hello.
07:45Hello.
07:46Hello.
07:47Hello.
07:48Please, sir.
07:49Yes, sir.
07:50My question to Namibian captain, Gerard.
07:51How did you see the SSH nations go to the second round,
07:53especially in Namibia's group?
07:54I think they've got a really tough group.
07:55You've got the massive game between India and Pakistan, obviously,
07:57in the forefront of it.
07:58But there's many other challenges in that group with the likes of the US.
07:59They've got so many experienced players playing in most leagues around the world.
08:12So I think they're going to be a phenomenal force as well in the group.
08:28And then the Dutch have been very successful performers in world cricket and in tournament cricket.
08:35And then there's always the noisy Namibians that have taken a big scalp here and there.
08:41So we're going to do our best to get to the group stage.
08:45And I think all the associate nations continue to knock on the door.
08:49We continuously ask for more opportunities, but we can only get more opportunities
08:53by showing our worth on the field.
08:55And I think that's what all of them will try and do.
08:57A question for Monk and Erin.
09:02You played the first match against India in the last World Cup.
09:05You played the last match against India in the World Cup.
09:08So how preparation-wise, team formation-wise,
09:12how things have changed for your teams?
09:14Before we played the first game, we already were prepared, like whatever balance will be,
09:23how we are going to play the playing 11.
09:25And now if you compare with the last World Cup, we have a few different players in the team.
09:30It's a well-experienced and balanced team.
09:32So we've been preparing and playing a few games before the World Cup.
09:35So we know our combination.
09:37And obviously we see the condition and then decide.
09:41Yeah, we've got some changes in personnel as well, but we don't have India in the group stage now.
09:51And hopefully at some stage we can get to a position in the comp where we can.
09:56But for now we've got to focus on our group, making sure we have a good four games there
10:02and get ourselves and earn the right to be in a position where the competition can go further for us.
10:08But the focus is certainly just on our group for the time being.
10:13My question is to you regarding Washington Sundar.
10:19New Zealand T20's Tilak Verma was in doubt, but then he made a very good comeback.
10:23He's back to competitive cricket.
10:25How are you as a captain tackling the Washington Sundar situation?
10:28Are you optimistic that we'll see him during the World Cup or are there backup plans in motion?
10:34What's the update on Washington and being considered that it's a long tournament?
10:38Would you have backups ready for him now or are you optimistic of him coming back?
10:42I think Tilak Verma got a break.
10:46Couldn't play the New Zealand series.
10:48When he came back he was a different player.
10:50You must have seen he played an A series game and also a game yesterday
10:53and we're hoping Washington also will be the same way.
10:56We spoke to him.
10:57He's doing really well.
10:58He's almost there.
10:59So we want him to be fully fit when he comes back.
11:01Would you like to be patient with Washington, not Washington?
11:04100%.
11:05You have to be patient with good players.
11:07Surya, in the New Zealand series you had said ki when people are injured you wanted to give reference to those who are in the World Cup squad,
11:21which is why you did that.
11:23So is that, was the warm-up matches the players who played, is that an extension of that?
11:29So is that what we should expect that those who played in the warm-up matches are the frontrunners?
11:35Played as a warm-up.
11:37So now we are warmed up.
11:39Yes, hi.
11:40I have a question for Gerhard.
11:42Can you just elaborate on the impact of Gary Kirsten having worked with the team over the last couple of months?
11:58Yeah, obviously Gary comes with the immense experience, not only from world cricket play, having coached so many teams and played all across the world,
12:07but he comes with the immense experience of Indian cricket.
12:10Having coached the IPL for many seasons, having won, you know, the 2011 World Cup.
12:17Yeah, so just coming here with him, you can see he's well-loved by the people.
12:22We can't get off the bus really without having to take selfies with Gary.
12:28So yeah, besides the cricketing side as well, he's such a great human to have on board and in your squad.
12:34So I think that's true for everyone in our management and therefore the players are really enjoying that.
12:42As possible, your power hitters, et cetera.
12:53Your teams are scoring.
12:54Your teams already scored at 300.
12:56So you have been very close to.
12:58My question is actually for both of you as captains, bowling captains, how do you, like, is it a headache?
13:06How do you kind of, like yesterday, maybe, Aidan, you can take the example of Ishan Kishin and Nokia over,
13:12and the kind of discussions that happen, like the batters, the way things, the ball is going,
13:17just flying out of the grounds and over the ropes, and Surya, whatever you want to add.
13:25It's moving forward quickly nowadays.
13:29It's probably got to a stage where you're not looking at winning overs, but probably just small groups of balls, really.
13:35And at the end of the game, I think grouping a couple of good balls together makes a big difference.
13:41So you feel sorry for the bowlers.
13:46It's not an easy gig, especially when you get on or get to a country where the wickets are really, really good.
13:52Boundaries can be a little bit smaller, and the batters really enjoy themselves.
13:57So it's a nice opportunity and challenge, though, for the bowlers.
14:01That's sort of how our unit sees it, and they're going to take that challenge on.
14:06The odds are probably stacked against them, but they're going to focus on the challenge and get into the battle
14:12and sort of see where they end up at the end of it.
14:15You want me to say something?
14:19I think he said everything.
14:24I feel, to add on, he's rightly said that the game is actually moving very fast in the game.
14:30It is harsh on bowlers, yes, but we can't do anything.
14:34I'm good that I'm happy that I'm a batter, but I do feel for my bowlers and other bowlers as well.
14:40But yeah, people are trying to seize the moments in this game, enjoying it, become more fearless,
14:44and obviously good entertainment for the crowd coming in.
14:47Surya, you have said that you are ready to fly to Colombo on the 15th game.
14:55But how do you see the Pakistan decision to boycott the India game?
15:01Because, you know, since Asia Cup and no unchecked controversy, there have been so many issues
15:06between the Indian team and the Pakistan team.
15:08How do you look at the decision and do you think it is good for the game and the World Cup as a whole?
15:15Their decision is not in my control.
15:18I wish I could take that decision.
15:20But then it's their call.
15:22We've been told that we have to play a game on the 15th.
15:26We played Asia Cup.
15:27I think, yeah, we played them three times at a neutral venue.
15:31We played some good cricket against them.
15:34We won.
15:35We were very happy.
15:36And similarly, if we get an opportunity again in Colombo, we'll definitely play again.
15:41Surya, for those that love cricket, India-Pakistan is one of the great occasions.
15:51What would be your message to those that have the control to make this fixture happen?
15:56What would you say to them to ensure that it can?
16:00I feel it's not an easy job.
16:03It's not my call.
16:05I'm sure they must be working out something.
16:08But if it's come from the other government or the nation, how can they help as well?
16:14It's a difficult call for them as well.
16:16I know it will be a difficult situation they will be in.
16:20But as I said, if we are told and the fixtures are ready, we'll definitely go ahead and play that.
16:27Thank you, everyone.
16:28Hi.
16:29Question for Gerard, Monank and Dilpreet.
16:34As associate nation captains, it's very challenging because most of your players don't even play full-time cricket.
16:41They have jobs besides cricket as well.
16:43So what do you tell them to stay motivated during a tournament like this?
16:48And what is the message before the start of a tournament?
16:51Thank you, guys.
16:52I think everyone is full-time cricketer in our team.
16:57And we've been playing.
16:59My teammates have been playing cricket and playing representing USA since last seven, eight years.
17:06So everyone are professional and, you know, they know what to do given an opportunity at a bigger stage.
17:13Everyone is full-time cricketers and no excuses, really.
17:19Yeah, I just think it's been high time that the associates do get that level of professionalism in the game and around these tournaments.
17:28And it's shown in the tournaments that their success rate has gone up with the exposure.
17:32The same as Monank and Gerard.
17:38Same because we have a contract, central contract.
17:41So all of our players are full-time cricketers in Canada.
17:44And also they are playing French chess cricket here and there.
17:46So we tell them to financial and everything.
17:49But yeah, it's hard in Canada because of weather, as I told earlier.
17:53It's hard.
17:55We can't play proper cricket all the time.
17:57So they have some work which I give credit to them.
18:00They are still working on the cricket skills as well because of the weather.
18:03But yeah, they're working well.
18:12Ratsi from Mr. Cricket UA.
18:14The question is,
18:16we have a lot of Aussie mentality of winning the championships.
18:19And right now India is back to back a lot of championships.
18:22We would like to know what is that mentality which you guys have nailed.
18:26Because of that India has been so successful in ICC tournaments
18:29and all the championships throughout the year.
18:32Mentality.
18:33I think we have been playing some good brand of cricket from last 2-3 years.
18:39Now we are playing with a lot of time.
18:41But I think we have changed a lot of thinking.
18:43First we were playing with a bilateral,
18:45with an ICC tournament.
18:47But now,
18:48Isha Cup,
18:49an ICC event,
18:50or a bilateral event,
18:51any of us,
18:52we are trying to play with one.
18:54That's why,
18:55when we were playing with an ICC event last year,
18:57we didn't feel so different.
18:59Because we were playing such cricket for the year.
19:01So similarly,
19:02what we were playing last year in the last year,
19:04we will try.
19:05We will play cricket in the ICC event.
19:07And when we play good,
19:09we will get to our side results.
19:15Hello.
19:16My question is for Surya and Aidan.
19:19Aidan, firstly,
19:20is there any baggage of that defeat in the 24 World Cup Final?
19:24And are you taking some extra pressure to go and win the trophy this time,
19:30around after the heartbreak in the final?
19:32And for Surya,
19:33you talked about the Indian mentality.
19:35The impact of Gautam Gambhir in the Indian dressing room.
19:39Can you talk a bit about it?
19:41You have seen the previous dressing room as well in the 24 World Cup.
19:44But how has it changed since then?
19:46Yes.
19:47Yeah, look, it's...
19:48The previous World Cup is what it is, right?
19:49It's two years ago.
19:50It's done now.
19:51We've played a lot of cricket since.
19:52And every captain sitting here and the previous captains that were in here before us,
20:05they all want to lift the trophy.
20:07Again, like I mentioned, you have to earn that right in your group stage first
20:12and then continuously play good cricket.
20:15It's a competition and a format where any team can beat any team.
20:20It takes one or two special performances from individuals and it breaks the game open.
20:26Obviously, we're here to win.
20:28We're motivated to win, especially after 2024.
20:31But, yeah, that's not the sole reason for our motivation.
20:36What has the impact of the last dressing room and now?
20:41How has it changed?
20:43Twenty-four, sir.
20:44Twenty-four.
20:45The dressing room is the same thing.
20:47It has been a wonderful journey since they took over.
20:53And the main thing is that they created an atmosphere in the dressing room.
20:59It's a team game.
21:00So, they keep their personal milestones on the side.
21:03The goal of the team is the most important to think.
21:07They have infused slowly and slowly.
21:09And it's time.
21:10One year.
21:11So, if you can see, if I give an example of the last game in Trivendrum.
21:15Ishan was in the 90s.
21:17He beat his 100.
21:19So, that is one thing which we've been trying to do.
21:22In a dressing room.
21:24Keeping the personal milestones away.
21:26And focusing on what's the team's goal.
21:28And then work towards it.
21:30So, actually, everything comes in.
21:32We don't need to change anything.
21:34And the freedom which is given to everyone.
21:36Those two people are playing inside, batting.
21:38Those are the best people to take that call.
21:40It's given us that freedom.
21:42Dressing room atmosphere is very light.
21:44Good team dinners.
21:46Going out for movies together.
21:48I think all these things.
21:49These small, small things helps a lot in a team atmosphere.
21:53And that's what we're trying to do.
21:54Last two questions, please.
21:55Rikki Ponting.
21:56Rikki Ponting's team.
21:57Rikki Ponting's team of 2007.
21:59Because of the way you've performed in this last World Cup cycle.
22:01The number of matches you've won.
22:02As a captain then, with the amount of talent you have, what is more difficult for you?
22:26Picking a team or dropping players?
22:28I think it's a very good headache to have.
22:32With such wonderful people with some amazing skill in the dressing room.
22:37And everyone bringing something different to the table.
22:40It's very difficult to pick 11.
22:43But at the end of the day, you have to pick 11 players who take the field.
22:48It does get difficult when I speak to them, face them on the ground.
22:53When I go out on dinners with them, as I'm best friends with almost everyone.
22:57It gets difficult, but then you have to keep your team ahead.
23:02Pick the best 11.
23:03And think about how are we going to win the game.
23:08Monank, Gerard and Dilpreet.
23:13How much does it help having former players who have played for the regular test playing nations?
23:21Like you had David Wiese playing for your team for some time.
23:24And the USA had some, probably the India Under-19 players playing for your team.
23:30And how much does that help in your growth as a cricketer and cricket nation?
23:36Yeah, I think obviously it helps.
23:39I think it helps having experienced players in any side.
23:42Having that exposure to high level cricket in any side is definitely a good thing.
23:48But many guys in our squad now have played their fourth World Cup.
23:52So I think we got to rely on the next bunch of seniors to take over and lead the way.
23:57I think it helps eventually the team, you know, and many of our players have been playing together since long time.
24:06So that experience in the team has been going on since long time.
24:11Yeah, it helps as well when you help these kind of players who play Destination and First Class for their countries.
24:18It gives you momentum and good confidence to your other players that you can learn from them as well in their teammates.
24:24So yeah, it helps.
24:25Thank you all.
24:29Thank you everyone.
24:30Lovely.
Comments