Ahmedabad curse behind him, Suryakumar wishes he could replay 2023 World Cup final
India Today
Suryakumar Yadav says lifting the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy in Ahmedabad has finally put to rest the pain of the 2023 ODI World Cup final defeat at the same venue, the memory that haunted him most.
Suryakumar Yadav says winning the T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad has finally allowed him to make peace with the city that once broke his heart.
When asked which game he would replay if given the chance, the Indian T20I captain did not hesitate. He picked the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where India suffered a shock defeat to Australia after being overwhelming favourites throughout the tournament. For Suryakumar, that night had lingered long.
"Whole experience again? Definitely the 2023 World Cup final at Ahmedabad. I'd love to replay that again and win it. We did win in Ahmedabad. I think that story is over now," he said at the BCCI's Naman Awards 2026
Rapid fire, captain’s edition!Don’t miss this fun round with the Indian captains.Watch #NamanAwards https://t.co/8W5zMWhfvk pic.twitter.com/OFCtc0jNB5— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 15, 2026.
It was a remarkable moment of closure for a player who has carried more than just personal baggage into this tournament.
In the months following the 2023 defeat, Suryakumar found himself at the centre of a debate that refused to go away. Fans and pundits questioned whether he was the right fit for the ODI setup, with many arguing that a different middle-order combination could have taken India over the line that night.
Rohit Sharma believes India's recent success in ICC tournaments could be the start of a strong phase for the national teams. The India captain praised both men's and women's teams and hopes the winning run continues.
Suryakumar Yadav revealed how a phone call and a little faith helped Ishan Kishan stage a sensational comeback, earning him a spot in India's Men's T20 World Cup squad. Kishan capitalised on the opportunity, scoring 317 runs in nine matches.
Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav married his childhood friend, Vanshika Singh, on March 14 in a grand ceremony held in Mussoorie. The celebrations were even more special for Kuldeep, coming shortly after India's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph.
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan says the federation replaced the Indian women's team's ill-fitting AFC Women's Asian Cup kits within seven hours, but the effort went unrecognised.
Pakistan national selector Aaqib Javed believes that the country and the country's cricket board need to move on from scapegoating culture to move forward in international cricket.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, Abhishek Sharma revealed how his father and family helped him overcome a difficult T20 World Cup campaign, during which he battled poor form before scoring a match-winning 18-ball fifty in the final against New Zealand.
Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as Delhi Capitals mentor ahead of IPL 2026, saying he could not commit the time required, though he confirmed he will return to the commentary box during the tournament.
The PCB has denied reports that Pakistan players were fined PKR 5 million each for their T20 World Cup exit, with spokesperson Amir Mir clarifying that no penalties have been imposed, though the board is considering a performance-based accountability formula.
Salman Ali Agha has been given a reprimand and a demerit point following his outburst after the controversial run out during the second ODI against Bangladesh on Friday, March 13.
On this day on March 14, 2001, India overcame a massive first-innings deficit to script a remarkable 171-run victory against Australia in the 2001 Kolkata Test, powered by the record-breaking partnership of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman and a dominant display by Harbhajan Singh on the final day.
Rahul Dravid, Roger Binny and Mithali Raj headline the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in New Delhi, as Indian cricket celebrates its legends and a historic run of ICC trophy wins.
Irfan Pathan believes IPL 2026 is the right time for MS Dhoni to hand over responsibilities to CSK's next generation, with Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad and others ready to step up.
From a patient wait on the sidelines to leading India to back-to-back T20 World Cup glory, Suryakumar Yadav marks five years of a journey that redefined modern T20 batting.