In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats, India captain Suryakumar Yadav provided a masterpiece in coolness under pressure, earning high praise from an unexpected source, USA spinner Harmeet Singh, in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
India appeared in trouble against the United States in their group-stage match in Mumbai, with early wickets putting the hosts in jeopardy. But Suryakumar stood out, guiding the innings with a stunning unbroken 84 off 49 to help India to a competitive score.
After the game, Harmeet, who finished with 4-0-26-2, expressed appreciation for India’s captain, comparing his maturity and attitude to one of the game’s most renowned commanders.
“Of course, we used to imagine all that, but success came late for him. He was always… I think he has got the poise now, which MS Dhoni also had later in his career. The flair that he had as a stroke-player, he played a sensible innings, and he finished the game and played a proper knock,” Harmeet told reporters, drawing a straight comparison to the legendary former India captain.
Harmeet also emphasized the maturity that comes with experience, which he claims Suryakumar Yadav now demonstrates consistently, just as Virat Kohli did at his best.
“The maturity which (players like) Virat (Kohli) have, I played a matured knock and that is what happens with experience and (with) the kind of job he has been given. He is doing a great job,” he concluded.
One of the best knocks of Suryakumar Yadav’s career: Virender Sehwag
Legendary opener Virender Sehwag heaped appreciation on Suryakumar for his amazing knock, which single-handedly saved India from losing against the United States.
“Imagine if the Indian team had been all out for just 100, we wouldn’t have said that a weak team like the USA beat India. They have also qualified for the World Cup. That’s why I feel it was one of the best knocks of Suryakumar Yadav’s career. I always say, focus on the ball and not the bowler, because if it pitches in the right area, you have to respect it. If you go for your shots on a good ball, you might get out,” said Sehwag on describing the importance of Surya’s innings.
The Men in Blue began their campaign with a nail-biting victory over the USA and will now face Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
