Suryakumar Yadav appeared relaxed during the pre-match press conference before the T20 World Cup final between the India and the New Zealand. The final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

India will play the final in front of a huge home crowd. More than one lakh fans are expected at the stadium. The hosts have a chance to create history with another victory.

Santner says he wants to quiet the crowd

Earlier, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said he hopes to silence the Ahmedabad crowd during the match. He said he would not mind playing the “bad guy” if it helps his team focus.

His comment reminded many of a remark made by Pat Cummins before the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Cummins had said he wanted to silence the crowd at the same stadium. Australia later won that final against India.

Suryakumar says it has become a trend

Reporters asked Suryakumar about Santner’s comment. The Indian captain responded calmly. He said many visiting teams now repeat the same line before big matches in India. He added that it has become a trend.

Suryakumar joked that opponents may soon need to say something new and original.

India captain admits pressure

Suryakumar admitted that he will feel pressure in the final. However, he said he wants to enjoy the big occasion.

“As a leader, there would be pressure; I cannot deny that. Definitely, there would be added pressure, the excitement is there of playing a World Cup final that too in India,” said Suryakumar.

He has performed well in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. He is currently India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

India and New Zealand know each other well

India played a five-match T20I series against New Zealand before the tournament. India won that series 4–1. Both teams know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Suryakumar said he has not watched New Zealand’s World Cup matches on television. “I haven't watched their T20 World Cup matches on television. We played them recently; the team is similar to the one we faced in the bilateral series. They have been playing some good cricket. We are also playing good cricket so that it will be a good match,” he said.

Another major final between the teams

The upcoming match will be the second straight white-ball final between the two sides. India and New Zealand also faced each other in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Fans expect another exciting contest when the teams meet in Ahmedabad for the T20 World Cup title.