Team India outclassed New Zealand in the second T20I in Raipur on Friday (January 23) to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing 209 to win, India lost both openers, Sanju Samson (6) and Abhishek Sharma (0), early on in the innings before Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar joined forces to not only steady the ship but put the hosts in driver’s seat.

The duo added 122 runs for the third wicket, with Kishan scoring 76 off 32 balls (11 fours and 4 sixes) and Suryakumar staying unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls (9 fours and 4 sixes) to take India over the line in 15.2 overs.

After the match, captain Suryakumar heaped praise on Kishan, who produced a jaw-dropping knock in his second match for India on comeback after two years.

"I didn't know what Ishan had in the afternoon for lunch or what pre-workout he had before the game, but I have never seen anyone bat [like that]," Surya said at the post-match presentation. "At 6 for 2, batting that way, ending the powerplay around 67, 70 [75 for 2], I think it was incredible.

"I think this is what we want from batters going out there, to express themselves, be happy in their own space, and that's what he did today."

Kishan dominated the partnership with Suryakumar. When the century stand was achieved in the ninth over, the Indian skipper was batting on 19 off 13 balls.

"I was angry he didn't give me strike in the powerplay, but that's okay," Surya quipped. "I had some time, played 8 balls, 10 balls, and I knew later on when I have time, then I can cover it up [make up the scoring rate]."

With his knock, Suryakumar Yadav ended a run of 23 innings without a half-century in T20Is. He reiterated that he had been out of runs and not out of form.

"As I said before also, I was batting really well in the nets, and everything which I did back home in the last 2 or 3 weeks [helped], I got a good break to spend time with my family, my friends," Suryakumar said. "I think I had good practice sessions as well, and I think I'm enjoying what's happening right now."

The win in Raipur left India with a 31-5 record in T20Is since their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in June 2024. With the fast-approaching T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar wants to his team to carry on playing the same brand of cricket.

"Let's keep it that way. I'm really enjoying what's happening right now. The mood in the camp is very happy. I want to keep them in their happy space. We want to continue playing the same brand of cricket, irrespective of what's happening [with results] and leave no stones unturned," he concluded.