India have three firsts in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand and expect 1.4 billion fans behind them.
Published on 7 March 2026
The best way to deal with pressure is to accept it, India captain Suryakumar Yadav reminded his teammates ahead of Sunday’s Twenty20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India are bidding to become the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title, win it on home soil and win the trophy for a record third time.
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To achieve all that, they will not only have to deal with a strong New Zealand XI but also the weight of expectations from a cricket-mad nation of 1.4 billion people.
Suryakumar said it was a “special feeling” to lead the team in a home World Cup final and he was looking forward to the challenge.
“There are nerves, there are butterflies in the stomach, but I always say – if there is no pressure, there is no fun,” Suryakumar told reporters on Saturday.
“I am very excited. I am sure all the boys and the support staff, and the whole of India are excited (for the game).”
More than 100,000 mainly home fans are expected to fill the world’s largest cricket stadium, where Australia beat India in the final of the 50-over World Cup three years ago.
Expectations are high again as India try to become the first host to win the T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar said he tries not to talk about cricket and the presence of “characters” like Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel keeps the atmosphere in the dressing room light.
“It’s important to have characters like this around because when things get tight, you need someone to crack jokes on the bus and in the dressing room, to calm down the dressing room,” said Suryakumar.
“We don’t talk about cricket-intensive situations because players like Axar, Arshadeep, (Jasprit) Bumrah – all these guys know what to do.
“We want to be very calm, be in the present, not think about what will happen in the final.”
As a captain, Suryakumar also resisted the temptation to be “big brother” in the dressing room and encouraged individuality.
“I think a good team culture is very important. A happy team environment is key,” he said.
“Give them freedom, listen to their ideas and what they feel.
“I think it’s important to understand what everyone wants on the team.”
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