Chennai, Feb 27 (UNI) India skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed that a detailed presentation from the team’s video analyst helped the side mentally reset ahead of their crucial Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.
Powered by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya India secured a convincing 72-run victory over the Africans.
Batting first, India piled up 256/4, their highest total in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The emphatic win not only boosted their Net Run Rate but also set up a virtual knockout clash against the West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday.
“I think we wanted to leave everything behind. We didn’t think too much about what we did in the league stage or in the last game in Ahmedabad. Our video analyst had prepared a slide for all the batters and bowlers, highlighting what we’ve done well over the past year.
“We looked at that, took a lot of positivity from it, and came here with clarity. With contributions from the top order right down to number seven, I think there was hardly anything missing in our performance,” said Suryakumar in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Despite the dominant margin, Suryakumar admitted there were areas that needed sharpening, particularly with the ball.
“To be very honest, we could have been a little more clinical with the ball. But at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we’ll take it as we move forward. We’ll definitely tighten a few screws when we go and play the West Indies cricket team.”
The India captain was also generous in his praise for Zimbabwe’s batting effort.
“I don’t want to take any credit away from the Zimbabwean batters. I think they batted beautifully. Yes, the wicket was good, but the way they approached the innings, taking their time in the powerplay and then accelerating smartly was impressive.
“Credit goes to them as well. From a bowling point of view, though, we could have been a little smarter with certain options at key moments. In situations like this, we need to be courageous with our decisions. There’s no option other than taking the positive route.”
With a high-stakes contest looming, Suryakumar said the immediate focus would be on recovery before turning attention to the decisive clash in Kolkata.
“Once we reach Kolkata, we’ll sit down and plan properly for that game. For now, it’s about taking a day off, travelling, and relaxing.”
Player of the Match Hardik Pandya expressed satisfaction with his brisk 23-ball fifty, explaining that it required an in-game adjustment. “Pretty happy. I mean, it sounds 23-ball 50, but I think I had to reassess the situation as well. What I meant by that was that I felt I was trying to hit too hard.
“Just in the game, I realised, I think I can time the ball and hit sixes as well. So I think for me, it was a good game to continue the rhythm because I feel that a couple of games I had, I could not do what I wanted to do. So pretty satisfied,” he added.
When asked whether he had been monitoring the earlier fixture between South Africa and the West Indies, Pandya admitted the team had kept tabs on it.
“Absolutely. Obviously, we were all keeping an eye. Now it’s all about playing good cricket, backing your skill set, kind of absorbing the pressure, and making sure that you put the best foot forward. So definitely we were keeping an eye, but at the same time, once the game got over, we focused on the fact that this is our game. We need to focus on this,” he said.
Reflecting on his bowling contribution, Pandya highlighted his comfort with the new ball.
“Pretty good. I think I like bowling with the new ball. It swings. I mean, God has been kind. I have the skillset of bowling inswing and outswing. So I really enjoy. I think it gives me the opportunity to take wickets as well. It challenges the batter as well. So, pretty satisfied. I still have to bowl my one over, which I’m going to go after this,” the star all-rounder commented.
