‘I could never cross 50-60% in studies’ – Suryakumar Yadav reflects on success as Indian captain

Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the team was determined to win the T20 World Cup in India, with a special focus on lifting the trophy at the Ahmedabad stadium. The motivation was even stronger after India ended up on the losing side in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Final at the same venue against Australia.

Heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, India were the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2024 in the USA and the Caribbean. That triumphant side was led by Rohit Sharma and featured stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, all of whom retired from T20Is following the tournament.

“There were just minor differences between the two teams. That was an experienced team, and very committed. This team is passionate. This year, I can say that we had less experience but more enthusiasm. All the guys are 25 to 27 years old [actually ten of the 15 players in the side that won the tournament were over 27, and nine over 30]. It was necessary to explain to them how it feels to win a World Cup in India, when people will cheer so much for you, 50,000 people, a lakh people, in the stadium,” said Suryakumar as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Suryakumar has led India to 42 wins in 52 T20Is, boasting an impressive success rate of 80.76%. Reflecting on the achievement, he light-heartedly remarked that this remarkable percentage makes up for his lack of success in academics.

“I feel that the percentage I tried to achieve in school and college by studying, I’m getting that today in cricket here. There, I could never cross [50-60%]. But definitely, it feels good to hear this. Although, I don’t pay much attention to stats. But nobody likes to lose in any game. I also love winning all the games,” said Suryakumar.

“My family tried a lot to educate me first, [but] in a short time they got the idea that this boy is not interested in studies. This boy can’t be controlled. But their support was always there in sports because they could see that I was enjoying it, I liked playing. So they said, ‘okay, go play; if nothing happens later, then we are here to take care of it’,” he added.