Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Suryakumar Yadav for his brilliant captaincy and leadership for India. This came after India’s stunning and dominant win over Pakistan in the recent T20 World Cup 2026 game, which was played on February 15 in Colombo.

India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs, their biggest win in T20Is over the archrival,s and it helped India qualify for the Super 8s round in the T20 World Cup 2026. Ishan Kishan starred as India made 175/7 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Then India gave a brilliant bowling performance, as Pakistan was bowled out for 114 runs.

Sunil Gavaskar also highlighted how Suryakumar Yadav took the onus on himself and rescued India from 77/6 against the USA and then helped India post a good total against Pakistan, after Kishan’s dismissal.

"You have to play according to the situation, and that is what Captain Suryakumar Yadav has done. He has led from the front. In the match against the USA, when India were in trouble at 77 for 6, Surya bailed the team out, and here against Pakistan, when he came out to bat, India were at 88-2, and then he batted till the 19th over, scoring 32 runs. Yes, he didn't bat at a high strike rate, but he ensured that the wickets didn't fall, keeping hold of one end.

So, the rest of the team understands that in T20 cricket, you don't want dot balls. You want to reduce them, but you also don't want to throw your wicket away trying to hit sixes. Being aware of the match situation, ground conditions, and even which way the wind is blowing is important, and Suryakumar Yadav has brought that awareness into this Indian team," Sunil Gavaskar said on JioStar.

India remains on top with three wins in three matches in Group A, while Pakistan has dropped to third with two wins and a loss, and the USA currently occupies second place with two wins and two losses.

(ANI inputs)