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Former captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed an intense moment involving the wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav during India’s high-pressure ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against Pakistan.
Actually, Kuldeep was eager to bowl, but Suryakumar was frustrated with the spinner after he dropped a catch at long-on while trying to stop Shaheen Afridi’s big shot in the 18th over during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Amid this, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah injury update: No comeback timeline.
Suryakumar Yadav opens up on angry moment with Kuldeep Yadav against Pakistan
Now, Suryakumar Yadav admitted that he got angry because he felt Kuldeep Yadav did not make enough effort to complete the catch. The ball went over the boundary, leaving the former captain angry. Later, Suryakumar didn’t hand the ball to Kuldeep even after repeated mistakes.
After India won the match by 61 runs against Pakistan, both exchanged angry looks, but Suryakumar explained that it was simply friendly banter. Later, after reaching Ahmedabad, he came up with the idea of making a reel with Kuldeep to make the moment lighter.
Suryakumar Yadav said on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel: “The match started, and there was no time to bowl him. He was a little disappointed and wanted to bowl. I completed Axar's spell and then bowled Tilak, Varun, and Hardik. He was like, 'Meri bowling kyu nahi aa rahi hai?' There was a chance of a catch when he was at long-on. He ran very casually, and it was an easy catch according to his skills. He dropped the catch, and I got angry at that time. If he dropped the catch after making an effort, that's fine, but he did not put in any effort.”
Suryakumar Yadav recalls nervous moment in India vs Pakistan Final
Suryakumar also spoke about the India vs Pakistan rivalry. He had earlier said that the rivalry was not as strong anymore because of India’s recent dominance. Amid this, Suryakumar Yadav makes honest admission about his ODI career.
However, after India were reduced to 15/3 while chasing 147 in the 2025 Asia Cup final, he wondered if he had spoken too confidently. India eventually made a stunning comeback and won by five wickets, with Tilak Varma scoring an unbeaten 69 off 53 balls.
He further said, “I got that feeling in the Asia Cup final itself that 'Kahi rivalry ke baare mein zyada to nahi bol diya' (Did I speak too much)?" We were 15/3 chasing 147, but we won after how Tilak and the whole team played.”
Sanju Samson’s selfless message left Suryakumar Yadav deeply impressed
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has recalled a special conversation with Sanju Samson during a difficult phase in his career and revealed how it changed his view of the wicketkeeper. Samson went on to have a dream 2026 T20 World Cup, winning the Player of the Tournament award after scoring 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a stunning strike rate of 199.38.
The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter was especially brilliant in the knockout matches. He smashed an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against West Indies, followed by 89 off 42 against England in the semi-final and another 89 off 46 against New Zealand in the final.
His success was even more special because he had struggled during the New Zealand series. Suryakumar said, “We were sitting on the team bus discussing it, and I said, 'Chetta, it looks like it's going to be difficult the way things are going.' Rather than pushing back or making his case for a place in the side, Samson's response struck a completely different tone: "He said only one thing to me: 'Bhau, take whatever call you feel is right to help this team win the World Cup.'" Whenever you need me, I'm right here. I will prepare exactly as if I'm playing.'”
