Suryakumar Yadav: It was not easy to defend the World Cup at home, Suryakumar said – Happiness on one side and happiness on the other…

New Delhi. The Indian team is the first team to win the T20 World Cup at home. As soon as Team India defeated New Zealand in the final of the tournament played at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8, it created history. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has told that there was happiness of playing T20 World Cup at home, but there was also nervousness along with it. Suryakumar Yadav gave this statement from the stage of CNBC TV18 India Business Leader Awards. Suryakumar Yadav was honored with the Sports Leader of the Year Award.

Suryakumar Yadav said that as much as it was a pleasure for the team to play the tournament at home, there was also a little pressure, but he said that this pressure makes the game more fun. During a special conversation at CNBC-TV18’s India Business Leader Awards 2026, he said, ‘When we came to know that the tournament will be held in India, we were very happy. But there was some nervousness also. If there is no pressure then the game will not be fun. As soon as we came to know that the matches would be held in India, there was an atmosphere of happiness in the entire team and dressing room. There was pressure, but all the players were very excited about playing in India.

What did you say about your captaincy?
When asked about the captaincy mantra, Suryakumar said, ‘It is very important for every player to have the freedom to express his views in the dressing room.’ He also said, ‘Talks on the field should be kept to the field only and should not be taken into home or personal life.’ He said, ‘According to me, whatever happens on the field, it should end there. When you come off the field, you are just a normal human being. Whether you play well or not, it should not be taken home, to friends or family. It’s the little things that matter the most. It is very important to listen to everyone in the dressing room and everyone should have the freedom to express their views. In the end our goal is the same.

What did you say about the atmosphere in the dressing room?
He further said, ‘Sometimes it is a bit difficult to listen to everyone’s different opinions, but this is also a good thing. Everyone has different ideas and plans, but in the end we have to move in the same direction because the goal is the same. There is a lot of joking, talking and good decisions in the dressing room. Sometimes some players are not happy, but still our dressing room is very happy. In the end, Suryakumar Yadav said that his next big goal is to make India win the gold medal in the 2028 Olympics.