Mumbai, Nov 25 ( LatestNewsX ) – Until recently, every Indian cricketer and fan idolized the idea of claiming an ICC title by defeating Pakistan in the final. The landscape has shifted, and now India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed a different ambition. He said, “If it is the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the final, I would like India to beat Australia and win the title,” outlining his dream of hoisting the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 for the first time.
The ICC’s joint‑tournament launch for India and Sri Lanka prompted a question about the ideal final‑day opponent. Surya pointed straight to Australia, citing the growing rivalry and a desire for retribution after India’s loss to the Kangaroos in the 2023 ODI World Cup final held at the same venue.
Harmanpreet Kaur, who guided the women’s side to the ODI World Cup crown in Navi‑Mumbai, shared a similar sentiment. “I think the expanding rivalry between India and Australia makes it a thrilling matchup, and a victory over such a strong side would feel special,” she remarked, recalling her team’s semi‑final triumph over Australia before beating South Africa in the final.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who led India to a 2023 ODI defeat by Australia but secured the 2024 T20 World Cup, stressed that the destination matters more than the opponent. “I agree with Surya that the dynamics have evolved and that beating Australia in the final would be ideal, but our broader desire is simply to win the title against any opposition,” he said. He had just been named the ICC Brand Ambassador for the event.
All three captains warned that winning will be tough as the competition now features 20 teams, and the T20 format is notorious for producing shock results.
Kaur reflected on the support she received during the recent Cup 2025, after the team had suffered three consecutive defeats. “The fans have always stood behind us at home and it was wonderful to see the women’s side being welcomed with such enthusiasm,” she added.
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