“We could have batted a little better” - Suryakumar Yadav slams Indian batters after poor show against the USA

Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, escaped from jail against the Monank Patel-led United States of America in the team’s campaign opener in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 by 29 runs to start the campaign on a winning note in Mumbai.

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Speaking in the post-match presentation ceremony, the Indian skipper Suryakumar admitted that he was under extreme pressure after his team was reduced to 77/6 in 12.4 overs. However, his experience of playing in similar situations in the past helped him to take the team out of the concerning situation.

“Only I can tell actually at the position which we were in, 77 for 6, how much pressure I was feeling. But then at the same time, I had that belief that I have batted in similar situations. And also when I have played my lot of cricket here in Maidans of Mumbai cricket, Azad Maidan, Cross Maidan. So I knew that if I bat till the end, I can make a difference,” Surya said at the post-match presentation.

“It was a little different wicket from what it is always at Wankhede. But at the same time, we knew when we woke up in the morning, we saw outside there wasn't a lot of sun outside. I think curator and the groundsmen, they tried their best to prepare the best pitch. But I think a few things are not in their control. So there wasn't enough sunlight to have that pitch rolled, watered. Maybe because of that, but we can't be brushing everything under the carpet. We could have batted a little better,” he added.

After losing the toss, India was tasked to bat first. They were reduced to 77/6 in 12.4 overs, losing the top and middle-order batters. However, Suryakumar Yadav (84*) stitched a crucial partnership with Axar Patel as India eventually posted 161/9 in 20 overs.

In response, the USA could score 132/8 in 20 overs. Mohammed Siraj scalped a three-wicket haul while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel secured two important wickets apiece to take their side over the line by 29 runs.

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