Surya's real grudge is against another team, not Pakistan!

India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about a significant desire lingering in the minds of Indian cricketers. Despite India’s dominant run in the 2023 ODI World Cup winning 10 matches in a row the heartbreaking loss to Australia in the Ahmedabad final has stayed with the players.

Coincidentally, the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup will also be held at the same venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. When asked which team he would like to face in the final, Suryakumar did not hesitate for a second he responded, “Ahmedabad… Australia.”
His words clearly reflect the team’s burning urge to settle scores and take revenge for the 2023 defeat.

According to the newly announced groups, India is placed in Group A along with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia. Australia finds itself in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman. Venues and the full schedule will be announced soon.

Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur also echoed Suryakumar’s thoughts. Having defeated Australia in the recent World Cup semifinal and eventually lifting the trophy, she said, “If there’s one team we always want to beat, it’s Australia. Wins against them stay in memory for long.” Though India has beaten Australia in a couple of ICC tournaments earlier, the sting of the 2023 final loss remains a challenge the team wants to overcome.