‘Kisi se kuch bolna nahi’: Suryakumar Yadav’s tells team India to avoid sledging before clash with Pakistan

Synopsis

India secured a Super 8 berth by defeating Pakistan by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan and Jasprit Bumrah starred in the victory. Captain Suryakumar Yadav's calm leadership and situational awareness were praised. India improved their T20 World Cup record against Pakistan to 8-1. The team focused on playing good cricket and winning with skills.

India national cricket team defeated Pakistan national cricket team by 61 runs in their Group A clash at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday, sealing a place in the Super 8 stage of the 2026 edition.

India posted 175 for 7 in 20 overs before restricting Pakistan to secure a comprehensive victory. Ishan Kishan starred with the bat, while Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and the spinners led the bowling effort.

Amid the on-field performance, captain Suryakumar Yadav drew attention for his calm leadership. During a team huddle before India began defending the total, he urged teammates to avoid verbal exchanges. “Keep running in between the overs. Kisi se kuch bolna nahi (Don't say anything to anyone). We have to play good cricket. We will win this game with good skills,” Suryakumar said.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Suryakumar for demonstrating situational awareness and leading from the front.

Suryakumar scored 32 off 29 balls, including three fours, batting until the 19th over to help India reach 175 for 7. Gavaskar noted that while the innings was not played at a high strike rate, it ensured stability at a crucial stage.

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“You have to play according to the situation, and that is what Captain Suryakumar Yadav has done. He has led from the front. In the match against the USA, when India were in trouble at 77 for 6, Surya bailed the team out, and here against Pakistan, when he came out to bat, India were at 88 for 2. Then he batted until the 19th over, scoring 32 runs. Yes, he didn't bat at a high strike rate, but he ensured that wickets didn't fall, keeping hold of one end. The rest of the team understands that in T20 cricket, you don't want dot balls-you want to reduce them-but you also don't want to throw your wicket away trying to hit sixes. Being aware of the match situation, ground conditions, and even which way the wind is blowing is important, and Suryakumar Yadav has brought that awareness into this Indian team,” Gavaskar said on JioStar.

With the win, India improved their head-to-head record against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup to 8-1.

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