Mumbai, Feb 6 (NationPress) As he prepares for his inaugural T20 World Cup as captain, Suryakumar Yadav exuded calmness and a cheerful demeanor while addressing the press at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He answered questions confidently, shared a few laughs, and articulated his thoughts openly.

Despite the Indian team and its captain facing immense expectations following their victorious title run in 2024, they have also showcased remarkable performances over the past 19 months since their memorable win in Barbados, where they secured their second T20 World Cup title.

The 36-year-old cricketer, regarded as one of the finest players in the format, acknowledged that while there’s some added pressure due to defending their title and the historical challenge of winning at home, they don’t feel overwhelmed by these expectations.

In the lead-up to their opening match against the underdogs, the United States, on Saturday at Wankhede Stadium, Suryakumar appeared relaxed and cheerful. He remarked that the team's atmosphere is positive, noting the great opportunity it presents for young players to represent India.

"The vibe is good. The mood in the camp is really positive. What's crucial is that everyone is enjoying the experience. I've shared my insights from the 2024 T20 World Cup with them, and I want them to embrace this chance. Representing India on home soil is a remarkable opportunity, so they should cherish it," he stated.

Known globally as SKY, the Indian captain acknowledged that playing at home comes with its own set of pressures, but emphasized that the support from local fans significantly outweighs these challenges.

"Playing at home inevitably brings extra pressure, and I won’t shy away from admitting that. There will be nerves, but the positive side is the overwhelming cheer from the crowd. People are backing us, which is essential for our performance," he explained.

"Given our performance over the last couple of years, the expectations are understandably high. We aim to deliver more reasons for our fans to celebrate. With thousands attending matches and many more watching from home, we want to provide them with a thrilling experience," Surya added.

While commenting on the perceived lack of strong opponents in Group A, apart from Pakistan, he remarked that every team poses a challenge at this level.

"I don't see any weak teams in the mix. Every one of the 20 teams is capable of delivering good cricket. In this format, a strong performance can hinge on just a few key players. So, we must maintain our current level of play against all teams, as they are all strong competitors," Surya noted.

When questioned about his cheerful demeanor even in tough situations, the Indian captain revealed his strategy of staying relaxed in the face of external pressures.

"There's already enough external pressure. When we’re on the field, we want to be as relaxed as possible. Our preparations during practice set the tone for our performance. When we step onto the field, it should come naturally," he said.

"You have to let your emotions flow and make the best decisions for the team on that day. This format can be tough for both bowlers and batters, so it's vital to be supportive and enjoy the game together as a team," he added.

Admitting that in a lengthy tournament with many less-known teams, surprises are likely, he emphasized the need for the team to bring their best game for every encounter.

"Every match we play, starting tomorrow, will be challenging. Even the warm-up game was crucial for setting the tone for the World Cup. No team can be underestimated as success can hinge on just a couple of good players. We need to be focused and ready for every game, and we’ve seen upsets happen in previous World Cups," he concluded.