Mumbai:
India began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a positive note with a 29-run victory over the United States in Mumbai, thanks to captain Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84-run knock. Following the win, India head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Suryakumar’s leadership and highlighted how a strong team atmosphere has played a crucial role in India’s success in the shortest format.
Speaking on JioStar’s “Follow the Blues”, Gambhir described Suryakumar as an exceptional leader who contributes far beyond his batting performances.
“Surya Has Made My Life Easier as a Coach”
Gambhir said Suryakumar’s calm presence and ability to connect with players has been invaluable for the team.
“Surya has made my life a lot easier in this format. He’s a phenomenal leader of men—not because of the batter he is or the shots he plays, but because of what he does on the cricket field. The way he relates to players, the way he talks to them, the time he spends with them, and how relaxed he is on the field makes a big difference,” Gambhir said.
He added that Suryakumar’s composure allows the coaching staff to focus on other aspects of the game, knowing the captain will keep the team environment calm.
“For me, Surya the player can be kept aside, but Surya the leader has ticked every box. He takes the right decisions, especially under pressure,” he added.
Team Atmosphere Key to Success
Gambhir also underlined the importance of maintaining a relaxed and positive dressing-room environment, particularly in a high-pressure tournament like the T20 World Cup.
“The dressing room cannot be serious all the time. You need to be relaxed. These boys love playing for each other and sharing the dressing room together, and that’s one of the reasons we’ve got results,” he said.
According to the former India opener, success in T20 cricket is not just about strategy and performance but also about team chemistry, mindset and mutual trust among players.
Strong Start for Team India
India’s win over the USA has set the tone for their T20 World Cup campaign, with Suryakumar leading from the front both as a batter and as captain. With a strong team environment and leadership stability, India will look to build momentum in the tournament as they aim for another global title.