India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had a clear and emphatic response when asked whom he wants to face in a hypothetical T20 World Cup 2026 final. For him, there was only one answer: Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Suryakumar was a part of Rohit Sharma’s dominant 2023 ODI World Cup squad, which won 10 consecutive matches before suffering a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final at the same venue. And although India have since lifted two ICC trophies, that defeat still lingers in the minds of several players.
With the ICC announcing the groups for the 2026 tournament on Tuesday, defending champions India were placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. Australia, meanwhile, entered Group B, paired with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman.
India’s Recent Record Against Australia
Since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, India have enjoyed success against Australia on the big stage:
- India defeated Australia by 24 runs in the Super Eight of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
- India also defeated Australia by four wickets in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
But for Suryakumar, the desire to beat Australia in a final—and especially in Ahmedabad—remains the ultimate motivation.
Suryakumar’s Dream Final
Asked during the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule reveal whom he wished to meet in the title clash, Suryakumar replied instantly:
“Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Australia.”
His sentiment was echoed by India Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose team also defeated Australia in the semifinal on their way to winning the recent Women’s T20 World Cup.
“Australia is the only team whom we want to beat because that’s the game which stays with you,” Harmanpreet said at the same event.
For both captains, an India–Australia final represents a shot at redemption, rivalry, and a moment that could define a generation of Indian cricket.