Mumbai, Feb 7 (NationPress) As the home T20 World Cup kicks off, India, the reigning champions, is grappling with immense expectations to clinch their third title. Despite a strong preparatory phase marked by a 4-1 series victory against New Zealand, injuries to Harshit Rana and the illness of Jasprit Bumrah have intensified the burden on skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

However, the composed Mumbai batsman rose to the occasion, delivering a stunning performance with an unbeaten score of 84. Alongside him, Mohammad Siraj shone with his bowling, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs, leading India to a 29-run victory against the USA and marking the start of their campaign on a victorious note.

The match was not without its challenges, as Suryakumar expressed the pressure he felt. "Only I can convey the extent of pressure I was under, but I had confidence. I knew that if I batted until the end, I could make an impact," he stated during the post-match remarks on Saturday.

With India in a precarious position at 77/6, Surya and Axar Patel forged a crucial partnership, adding 41 runs for the seventh wicket. He exhibited his remarkable 360-degree batting skills, smashing two sixes and two fours in the last over, propelling India to a total of 161/9 in their 20 overs. Siraj, along with Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel, who each took two wickets, effectively stifled the USA, limiting them to 132/8.

Suryakumar acknowledged the difficulties posed by the wicket, emphasizing that his batters needed to embrace such challenges and perform better. "It was a unique wicket. We anticipated it, and the curator did their utmost. We must not overlook our shortcomings; we need to improve our batting. Victory brings valuable lessons. We could have scored 160 more easily with 1-2 good partnerships," he noted.

The Indian captain remarked on his evolution as a batsman, particularly as wickets fell around him, expressing confidence that he could guide the team to a respectable score if he remained at the crease. "I always believed one batter must bat until the end. I sensed it wasn't a 180-190 wicket; rather, it felt like a 140 wicket. Having played extensively here, I understand the conditions. At 77-6, it was crucial for one batter to last till the end. I was aiming to play quality shots," Suryakumar elaborated, who was named Player of the Match for his stellar performance.

Surya also shared insights into his personal journey, mentioning that he didn’t engage in anything extraordinary to regain his form, scoring his fourth half-century of 2026 after a challenging run in late 2025. He felt a renewed sense of purpose upon arriving in Nagpur for his first T20I against New Zealand this year. "I knew my time would come. I focused on supporting the innings for the team last year. After my last innings, I packed my kit, spent time with family, and upon reaching Nagpur, I felt a shift in my mindset," the 36-year-old shared.

Surya also provided an update on the team, stating that Bumrah was recovering from a fever and that spinner-allrounder Washington Sundar would be joining the squad in New Delhi. "Bumrah was feeling unwell, and Abhishek (Sharma) was also under the weather. Washington will meet us in Delhi," Suryakumar confirmed.