CUTTACK
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has emphasised that the team will resist major changes to its core structure as preparations intensify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be played at home in two months. Speaking ahead of the limited-overs assignments against South Africa and New Zealand, Suryakumar said the focus is now firmly on sharpening existing plans rather than altering combinations.
He explained that India’s World Cup groundwork began immediately after the conclusion of the 2024 edition. “When we give exams in school, not everyone studies in the last four days. We study for a year or two. Our preparation is the same,” he said. “We don’t want to change a lot now. The only thing we’ll work on is the type of cricket we want to play.”
India will play 10 T20Is before the World Cup, offering valuable opportunities for refinement. Asked about the ongoing debate regarding Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma for a place in the XI, Suryakumar said the team values versatility. “We gave Sanju opportunities and he was ready to bat anywhere. Both are in the scheme of things. It’s always good to have players who can open or bat lower. It’s a good headache to have.”
He also welcomed Hardik Pandya’s return to full fitness, highlighting the balance the all-rounder brings. “As you saw in the Asia Cup, when he bowled with the new ball, it opened many options for us. His experience will count a lot.”
With tosses proving decisive in the ongoing ODI series, Suryakumar joked that he might follow K.L. Rahul’s superstition and try using his left hand at the toss, adding a light-hearted note to India’s otherwise focused preparations.