AHMEDABAD: Matches between India and New Zealand rarely involve psychological warfare, but as the 2026 T20 World Cup final approaches, the pre-match chatter has become more pointed. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his team will aim to “quiet” the packed Indian crowd. Hours later, captain Suryakumar Yadav dismissed the remarks, saying such lines were often used before big matches.
“Sab Same Line Chipka rahe hai. Kuch toh naya bolo (Everyone is repeating the same line. Say something new),” Surya quipped.
“The aim is to silence the crowd – everyone says that. But T20 cricket is fickle and there are a lot of variables. If we carry on business the way we have been doing, we can handle any challenge,” he added.
Surya admitted that leading India in the World Cup final would bring extra pressure, but said the team was embracing the opportunity, especially in the title race at home.
“It’s a special feeling and everyone is very excited. The environment within our team is very good and we are looking forward to the final,” he said. “As a leader, the pressure is there – I can’t deny that. But it’s also exciting to play in a World Cup final, and that’s the same in India.”
Captain backs Varun
A potential worry for India is the recent emergence of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Varun has been battling against strong teams since the Super 8 stage, conceding 1/47 runs against South Africa, 1/35 against Zimbabwe and 1/40 against West Indies.
His toughest match was the semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium where he conceded 1/64 in four overs while Jacob Bethell blasted 42 runs off just 13 balls against him.
Surya backed Varun despite speculation that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav might replace him in the final.
“Varun’s form is not our concern. Our focus is on winning the game,” he said. “He is the number one bowler in the world and knows how to help this team win. We want to make things simple. Captaining India in such an important final is a very special moment for me.”
There was also much discussion about the nature of the final venue, with speculation as to whether it would be clay or black soil.
Surya said he had not had a chance to examine it carefully. “I came here straight from the locker room, so I haven’t had a good look yet,” he said. “Some of our players and staff were standing in the middle earlier. We’ll see what the pitch is like tomorrow, but we have to play the final here anyway. Any soil will do.”
The Indian team has played on both clay and black soil surfaces and Surya said his team has adapted well. On whether India would like to pursue or defend, the skipper said both sides are ready to deal with either scenario. “We have the ability to do both. We chase and win, and we defend the total,” he said.
